In Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, the harvest season has brought back the familiar rhythm of rural life. Once the paddy is gathered from the fields and taken home, farmers are now busy crafting traditional straw ropes—an age-old practice that still thrives on skill, patience, and experience.
The photograph shows an elderly farmer in Ukhiya carefully selecting dry paddy straw and twisting it gradually to create a strong, durable rope.
With steady pulls, twists, and expert knotting, he turns the straw fibres into a reliable binding tool for tying harvested paddy bundles for storage in the courtyard or granary.
Local farmers say these handmade ropes are fully natural, inexpensive, and practical. Despite the availability of modern alternatives, straw ropes remain widely used in Ukhiya’s villages because they are sturdy and perfectly suited for handling paddy.
During this season, such scenes are common across rural Ukhiya—farmers defying age with their strong hands, the earthy smell of straw in the air, and the quiet joy of harvest time. Together, they paint a vivid portrait of tradition, self-reliance, and the timeless beauty of agrarian life.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
