Since March, some internally displaced people (IDPs) in the western part of Demoso Township have resumed planting summer paddy in fields near their villages, despite ongoing artillery shelling and drone strikes by junta forces.

“Drones come first. After they circle, the heavy weapons (artillery) follow,” said a displaced woman.

She also explained that due to rising fuel prices and increasing costs of fertilizers this year, they are no longer farming for sale but only to sustain their families.

Despite the risks posed by artillery and drone attacks, displaced farmers continue planting under constant fear.

“Of course we are afraid. We have to hide in ditches. On the day we were pulling seedlings, small drones were flying around. People shouted at each other to hide in the stream. When drones appear, we have to run. We can only work in the morning, and by the afternoon, it’s no longer safe,” she said.

Compared to last year, fewer people are cultivating summer paddy in western Demoso. This is due to soaring commodity prices, loss of territory, and continued artillery and drone attacks by junta forces.