tilling a paddy field
Refers to the act of plowing or tilling a rice paddy, typically in preparation for planting.
When spring comes, farmers begin tilling the rice paddies.
Compound of 田 (ta, 'rice paddy') and 打ち (uchi, 'striking' or 'hitting'), from the verb 打つ (utsu). The term likely derives from the action of striking or breaking up the soil with a hoe or plow.