Farmers turn watchmen to save crops from wildlife in Dhenkanal

For farmers in Shibilapashi village under Kamakhyanagar block of Dhenkanal district, nights have turned into a sleepless struggle for survival.

As the sun sets, fear takes over the fields. To protect their hard-earned crops, farmers climb makeshift platforms atop trees, light lanterns and fires, and keep drums and sticks ready to chase away wild animals that prowl the area after dark.

During the day, they fight a different battle, protecting their fields from birds, monkeys, and wild boars. But when night falls, the threat escalates as elephants wander into the farmlands, trampling crops and destroying months of effort in a single night. Farming, once their livelihood, has now become a relentless battle against nature.

Many villagers say they have taken loans to cultivate their fields, but with frequent wildlife raids, they fear they will be unable to repay their debts.

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“We stay awake all night to guard our crops, yet every few days, elephants or wild boars destroy everything,” said a distressed farmer.

Despite repeated complaints, villagers allege that the Forest Department has failed to take effective action. The farmers have urged local authorities to intervene immediately, provide protection measures, and offer compensation to help them recover their mounting losses.