Land measurement is a crucial aspect of agricultural practices and cultural heritage across the globe. Traditional units of land measurement vary by region, reflecting local customs, agricultural needs, and historical contexts. These units are not merely numerical values; they embody the relationship between people and the land they cultivate.
China
In China, the mu is the most prevalent unit, equivalent to about 666.7 square meters (0.0667 hectares or 0.164 acres). The mu has historical significance and is primarily used for measuring agricultural land, particularly rice fields in the south. Larger units like qing and jing are also part of the traditional lexicon, reflecting the diversity of land use across different regions.
| Unit | Relative value | Metric value |
|---|---|---|
| háo (毫) | 1⁄1000 | 2⁄3 m2 |
| lí (釐) | 1⁄100 | 6+2⁄3 m2 |
| fēn (市分) | 1⁄10 | 66+2⁄3 m2 |
| mǔ (畝) | 1 | 666+2⁄3 m2 |
| qǐng (頃) | 100 | 6+2⁄3 ha |
Kenya and Tanzania
Kibanda: In Kenya and Tanzania, a kibanda usually refers to a small piece of land, often used for gardening or subsistence farming. The size can vary but typically ranges from 1/8 to 1/4 of an acre.
Feddan: In certain areas, especially among communities near the border with Egypt, the feddan (approximately 0.42 hectares) may be used for agricultural land measurement.
Nepal
The hilly regions of Nepal uses Ropani-Ana-Paisa-Dam system while in Southern parts i.e. at Terai region Bhigha-Kattha-Dhur system is used. The conversion between these units is as follows
Ropani-Ana-Paisa-Dam system
- 1 Ropani =16Ana
- 1 Ana =4 Paisa
- 1Paisa =4 Dam
Bhigha-Kattha-Dhur system
- 1 Bhigha= 20 Kattha
- 1 Kattha= 20 Dhur
For inter conversion between Ropani and Bhigha
- 1Bhigha=13 Ropani
Similarly, in standard units
- 1 Ropani =74feet X 74 feet
- 1 m=3.281 feet
Leave a Reply