The high nutritional content of leye plants and their good climate resistance demonstrate the tradition of consuming local food according to current needs.
Please note that this article was automatically translated using Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. We cannot ensure that the entire content is translated accurately. If you spot any errors or inconsistencies, contact us atFRANS PATI HERIN, AHMAD ARIFThe following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.
Tradition requires Lolon to only consume leye seeds as his staple food until the end of his life."This is my daily food. I can't eat rice or corn," said Lolon, who was visited at his home in the village of Hoelea, Omesuri District, Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara on Sunday .) is an ancient grain that was once an important food source in many regions of the archipelago, but is now increasingly rare.
Only recently, successive waves of reverse migration from the east and from western Indonesia , as well as the development of trade networks spanning Java, Sulawesi, and China, have caused the configuration of pre-European plants to spread. Late-arriving grain crops to NTT include sorghum, millet, and rice. It was only after the arrival of Europe in the 17th century that there were corn and cassava.
If Lolon does not consume"leye" or violates the restrictions by consuming corn or rice, he will fall ill."Later, my body will feel heavy, my bones will ache, and I won't be able to sleep," he said.To ensure the availability of Lolon, the family continues to plant it in their garden or backyard. In one year, the harvest yields more than 100 kilograms, enough for Kristina's food needs.
Leye is planted in rainfed land, amidst rice, corn, tubers, and various crops. Leye has two thick outer skins."Leye is almost unaffected by pests. It grows every year and its seeds, which can be stored for years, are still edible," he said. However, the consumption of leye continues to decline, following the dominance of rice and wheat flour. Our previous report showed that there has been a significant shift in food consumption in NTT. In fact, many people in NTT feel inferior with their local food. Those who still consume local food are stigmatized as poor and left behind.Siprinaus promises to encourage parents and children to consume leye.