What does the Malay word "paddy" refer to?

The Malay word "paddy" specifically refers to wet rice, which is a type of rice that is grown in flooded fields. This method of cultivation is crucial in many Asian agricultural practices, particularly in regions where rice is a staple food. The term encapsulates not just the plant itself but also the traditional methods of wetland farming that are associated with rice production. In the context of agriculture, understanding the significance of "paddy" highlights the link between the environment, irrigation practices, and food production. While dry land, vegetable fields, and canals are related to agricultural practices, they do not capture the essence of the term "paddy" as fundamentally tied to the wet cultivation of rice.