Rice Paddy, originally uploaded by KHH Chronicle.

Farmers in the area and agricultural agencies have worked together over the years to continue to improve the quality of the rice of the area, providing the basis for the top quality rice that is grown there today.
The agricultural association in the area has encouraged farms to grow the rice organically in order to raise its quality. The association also holds contests to select the best rice grown in Houpi. Over the past few years, the competition has become increasingly heated. Judges examine the rice for any damage by pests, irregular varieties, the color of the leaves, the degree of lodging in the crops, and the number of weeds in the paddies. By examining the degree of damage done to the rice by pests, whether any other varieties of rice have been mixed in with the main crop and judging the golden yellow color of the rice plants, the judges are able to determine how well farmers have managed their paddies.