Hatpipliya (Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh): Deogarh’s farmer Tilok Chand Patidar has tied hundreds of sarees around periphery of his farm to protect maize crop sown in one bigha land from wild animals. Besides, beer bottles have been hung to drive away the birds.
According to Patidar, Rs 40,000 have been spent on maize crops in one-bigha land. “Have tied sarees around to prevent animals from entering my farm. It is American maize whose corn is sweet and it also has a good demand in the market,” he said.
Previously, it did not cost to grow maize crop in Hatpipliya, nor so much hard work was required. “5 years ago, there was no need for pesticides but now after sowing maize, weed killer sprays are used. After that, as maize crop grows, the problem of worms starts and the fields have to be sprayed with pesticides again,” Patidar said.
He further said that problem does not end there as farmers have to make efforts to protect fields from wild animals like boars and jackals, which damage crops.
