Cambodia’s royal oxen predicted a bountiful harvest of rice, the country’s largest crop, in addition to corn and beans during an ancient royal plowing ceremony held on Thursday (May 3).
Reuters reports that King Norodom Sihamoni presided over an annual ritual by which oxen plow a field before offering sacrifices, held within the southeastern province of Svay Rieng and broadcast on national television.
In a ceremony signaling the start of a brand new rice growing season, two oxen ate 95 percent of the rice and corn offered and 80 percent of the beans served in decorative bowls.
Palace astrologers make predictions yearly depending on what plants the oxen select and the way much they eat.
“I pray that the Kingdom of Cambodia will avoid various natural disasters that harm the crops that constitute the life of the people and the nation,” he said.
According to government data, Cambodia exported 635,679 tons of rice last 12 months, up 17.3% from 2016. Exports fell three percent in the primary quarter of this 12 months in comparison with the identical period a 12 months ago.
The Cambodian Rice Federation said the general trend is to extend exports, mainly attributable to rising demand from China.
“They prefer to take our rice to cook fried rice… the demand is increasing yearly,” said Moul Sarith, Secretary General of the Federation.
Source : Reuters
