Rajesh Rai | Samtse

Lhops (Doyas) of Ngawang Dramtoe in Tading, Samtse are struggling to save their maize from wild animals.

Wild boar, deer, monkey, and porcupine are the biggest problem.

Due to the growing threat, some have harvested their crops before time.

But Semo Doya hasn’t yet.

From far, Semo’s cornfield looks green and healthy but deep inside there is hardly any left.

In desperation, Semo has set up an alarm system to ward off animals. She has connected a long rope to the roof of her house that goes right at the heart of the maize field. There, a tin container functions as a bell. When she pulls the rope from her house, a sound is created.

“I didn’t have enough rope so I used some plastic wires,” Semo Doya said.

The sound isn’t loud enough to scare the animals.

“If the government can give us electric fencing, we will be able to save whatever little we grow,” Semo said.

Sobchu Doya, another farmer, said electric fencing is a necessity in the village.

“I heard it helps,” he said.

Tshechu Doya harvested his corn early this time—about 10 days ago—while it was still green. He is busy drying the corn.

“In my case, it is the wild boars and the monkeys. I have never seen them come in such big numbers,” he said, adding that he had no other option than to harvest his corn while it was still green.

He said Lhops requested electric fencing support but the gewog hasn’t provided it.

Maize is one of the main crops Lhops of Ngawang Dramote cultivate along with millet.