Stretched between wooden poles, the bright fabrics distract animals such as bison and wild boar and hide the crops from view.

Indrajit Khambe photographed these fences in his village in Sindhudurg district. His images show ribbons of reds, yellows and blues weaving across the landscape.

The fences are a practical response to a seasonal challenge, Khambe explains. Farmers grow rice during the monsoon, when wild animals have enough food in nearby forests. But in early summer, the forests run out of grass, driving animals toward farms. At this time, farmers typically plant vegetables and groundnuts that need protection.

Sari fences offer an inexpensive solution for the summer months and can be easily removed before the next rice season.

The saris are collected from family members and neighbors, giving the garments a second life while providing farmers with an alternative to manufactured fencing materials.