Farmers across Hulsur taluk in Bidar district have turned to an innovative and low-cost method to safeguard their sugarcane, groundnut and other crops from wild blackbucks, boars and foxes — by tying old colourful saris around the edges of their fields. The improvised fencing has proved to be an effective deterrent, creating the impression of human activity and keeping animals from straying into plantations.
A creative response to repeated crop loss
The practice emerged after years of farmers suffering heavy losses due to wild animal incursions. Ganesh Patil, a farmer from Mirkhal village whose 1.1-acre field borders the forest, said he lost his sugarcane crop last year and was determined to try a new approach this season. His experiment with sari fencing yielded encouraging results, prompting farmers in Sol-Dapak, Gutti, Saigaum, Mehkar, Attaraga, Alavayi and surrounding villages to adopt the same technique.
Farmers say the bright colours and movement of the saris in the wind give the illusion of human presence, discouraging wild animals from approaching. “Wild boars usually arrive in groups at night and destroy everything. But this method has helped us protect the fields,” said Tanaji of Sol-Dapak village.
Traditional methods left farmers exhausted
Before adopting sari fencing, villagers relied on laborious and unreliable methods such as beating drums, bursting crackers or shining torchlight throughout the night to scare away animals. These methods demanded significant manpower and resulted in chronic sleep deprivation for families.
With sari fencing now in place, farmers say they are finally able to rest at home without fearing nightly raids. Many families have repurposed old saris within their households or collected unused cloth from neighbours to complete the protective perimeter around their fields.
A growing trend across Bidar
Although the method began as an improvisation, it has now been used for a couple of years and continues across parts of Bidar district this agricultural season. Forest officials acknowledge the challenges farmers face but emphasise the need for proper permissions for more advanced deterrent systems.
Hulsur forest range officer Santhoshkumar Halahalle said the department is open to supporting farmers through official channels. “If farmers come forward with proper documents and submit applications, and if they have been facing losses because of wild animals, they will be provided solar fencing for their lands,” he said.
Farmers say sari fencing remains an affordable and immediate solution as they await more permanent and sanctioned systems.