In many parts of the world, mainly in remote areas, people have a subsistence economy. They produce enough for their own needs but do not trade because they have no surplus to sell. They use very similar methods to those of their parents and grandparents, though now they add fertilizers. In spring, the flat fields which have earthen banks around them, are flooded with 20 cm of water from a nearby river. Water buffalo pull a plough to till the earth beneath the water.
People paddle in the water as they plant rows of small rice plants by hand in the earth.
The crop starts to grow and after a little while a breach is made in the earthen bank, and the water drains out. The crop continues to grow and people harvest it by hand using a curved knife to cut the stems when it is ripe. The grain is left to dry in the sun and it is separated from the stem by small hand-operated machines. The surplus crop is sold at the local market. In many parts of the world, people follow the traditional activities of their ancestors, or others who lived in that area.