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According to documentary evidence, Sri Lanka cultivated rice as early as 800 B.C.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=From wild grass to golden grain )〕 This is further reflected by the construction of massive irrigation structures, reservoirs, and interconnected canals since 390 B.C. Rice cultivation was not only an economic activity, but a way of life.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Rice )〕 Some varieties of rice have been passed down for generations, and are called traditional, indigenous, or heirloom. Once renowned as the granary of the east, Sri Lanka offered more than 2000 indigenous rice varieties to the rest of the world. Rice cultivation in Sri Lanka was once considered sacred. The methods of production and the sanctity associated with the process of rice production made it a truly sustainable process. With the European occupation during the 16th and 18th centuries, more emphasis was given to other plantation crops until the 20th century, when rice was once again given attention. With an increase in population, the H series of rice varieties were introduced in the 1950s, along with the use of chemical fertilizer, to increase harvest yield. As a result, the average yield of rice increased from 0.65 mt/ha to 1.73 mt/ha in 1950. In this process, many of the traditional varieties of Sri Lankan rice are known to contain higher amounts of Glutamic acid, higher concentrations of vitamins, fiber, and a lower Glycemic index. What was known to have nurtured a prosperous society were lost to the Island Nation.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Features )〕 By the 1980s, 90% of the farm land was used to cultivate the so-called semi-dwarf (newly improved) rice variety. Currently, 95% of the rice produced in Sri Lanka are hybrid varieties which are harvested using chemicals, non-organic fertilizer, and pesticides. This is a requirement for larger harvests and lowered costs. Due largely to the current trend of global awareness of the benefits of eating organic food, and the dangers of using chemical fertilizer and pesticides, traditional rice is gradually making a comeback. == Suwandel == As the translated name implies, this is a fragrant white rice with an exquisite aroma.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Identification of fragrant gene, fgr, in traditional rice varieties of Sri Lanka )〕 The rice is well known to promote fair and glowing skin, improve the function of the excretory system, improve vocal clarity, enhance male sexual potency, and is said to help control diabetes. Its milky taste makes it an ideal choice for festive occasions and ceremonies. Suwandel's nutrient composition consists of 90% carbohydrates, 7% crude protein, 0.7% crude fat, and 0.1% crude fiber. Suwandel is known to contain higher amounts of glutamic acid and higher concentrations of vitamins than other more common rice varieties. Suwandel is an heirloom rice variety cultivated organically with traditional rain fed methods in the southern lowlands of Sri Lanka. Because of this, cultivation takes longer than other varieties of rice; usually 5–6 months until harvest.(Suwandel 3-3.5 month) Heirloom rice cultivation in Sri Lanka is a sacred and well thought out process. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Traditional Rice of Sri Lanka」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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