A majority of the farmers of rural India still rely on the traditional methods of harvesting and crop protection. The absence of modern equipment encourages the farming community to use the time-tested and innovative farming methods of their ancestors. These include scaring away the birds with the help of visual and oratory techniques, such as drums, clapping, and scarecrows. The wives and children of the farmers run up and down the fields to prevent the birds from eating the freshly dispersed seeds. Although these farm activities are a daily routine for the farmers, they can be extremely fun for travelers who are visiting a Farmstay for the first time. You can step into the farms and lend a helping hand to the farmers by participating in these amusing activities.

Agritourism allows you to appreciate the industriousness of the farmers, who make the best of the limited resources at hand to produce wonderful yields of crops, year after year. So join in the fun and frolic at the farm and learn some of the fascinating local farming techniques. Here are a few of the fun activities on a farm that are perfect for a weekend getaway.

1. Make A Frightening Scarecrow

Let the creative juices flow and create the most terrifying scarecrow to keep the birds at bay. A scarecrow is a timeless solution for effectively getting rid of the birds that can damage the ripening crops. Take lessons on how to build a scarecrow from the experts at the farm. It is an engaging activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Exercise the right brain to build a masterpiece that will stand guard on the farm. Creating a scary face with scrap material and a few colors is a very relaxing activity indeed!

2. Play Drums On A Machaan

A Machaan is a farm loft or a raised platform from which you can view the entire farm. Playing some drums or shouting from the Machaan helps the sound to spread in all directions. The shouting and the beats of the drums drive away all the birds and pests. Head up to the Machaan to soak in the rustic splendor of the scenery and to try your hand at the drums. It is also a great place to take a selfie, with the lush green crops in the background, to freeze this lovely moment forever.

3. Learn To Sling Like A Shepherd

The farmers have to resort to using a sling for the stubborn crows that are not afraid of scarecrows or drums. They hurl a few stones in the direction of the birds to scare them away. You may have used a sling in your childhood to make raw mangoes fall to the ground. Relive those memories or acquire a new skill. This is also a wonderful way to make the children learn about the ancient games of India. With the help of the farmers, you will be able to hit the bull’s eye by the end of the lesson!

The list of engrossing things to do on farms is endless. Farmstays offer a chance to immerse in the rural culture and to educate yourself about the farming techniques that help to feed the country. The farms of rural India are beautiful retreats, devoid of the pollution and heat of the cities. At a farmstay, you will be able to participate in these delightful farm activities and will also be able to taste the fresh produce, straight out of the fields. It is a unique weekend experience that will encourage you to get out of the air-conditioned concrete jungles more often, to reconnect with the planet.