Asian antelopes damage crops in Uttar Pradesh

Faizabad (UP), Apr 30 (ANI): Farmers face huge losses as mature crops of watermelon and sugarcane are damaged by herds of nilgai (Asian antelopes) in Purbazar village of Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad district.

"We are facing lots of problem because of nilgai. The ratio of nilgai here are in thousands and they come here and damage all our crops," said Ram Nayen, a farmer.

Farmers have put up bars and barricades to safeguard their crops from nilgai but have still continuously monitor their fields.

"We have put bars from all four sides to protect our crops from nilgai. We have to take care of our crops 24 hours. We don't get time to sleep as well as to eat. The moment we sleep, nilgai comes inside," complained Rajbali, a farmer

"The ratio of nilgai is so much here that day and nights farmers have to take care of their crops. And I think they must have damaged 25- 30 percent of the crops. Farmers along with their family have to take care of their crops," said Om Prakash Yadav, head of Purbazar village.

Farmers say that though they have been suffering heavy losses, the Uttar Pradesh government has not taken any steps so far. (ANI)