These days, farmers like Lancy of the Chelaykkappally polders are standing guard over their fields, protecting their crops from weaverbirds with the vigilance of border sentinels. As the rice grains fill out on the paddy saplings, colonies of weaverbirds have made their appearance in the fields.

The Chelaykkappally paddy field, spanning over 25 acres, is now lush with ripened stalks, the result of more than two months of relentless effort by the farmers. Having battled wind, rain, and pests, they now face a new threat: tiny weaverbirds. If these birds extract moisture from the rice grains, entire stalks can turn to chaff. Thousands of weaverbirds hover over the fields, ready to strike at the first opportunity. A single raid can reduce acres of paddy to worthless husks. Alarmed by this threat, farmers gather in the fields to chase the birds away.

To protect their crops, they create a racket by drumming on tins and bursting crackers. Like soldiers defending their homeland, these farmers have become vigilant protectors of their grain.