Rice paddies are flooded fields used for growing rice, a staple food for over half the world's population. These paddies are typically found in regions with warm climates and ample rainfall, allowing for the cultivation of rice throughout the growing season. The water in the paddies helps control weeds and provides essential nutrients to the rice plants. Farmers prepare rice paddies by leveling the land and creating bunds, or small dikes, to hold water. The fields are usually planted with rice seedlings, which are submerged in water until they mature. This method of farming is essential for producing high yields of rice in many countries, especially in Asia.