A voice for farmers' concerns: Aivarnadu holds information workshop on managing wildlife conflict

Sullia: Concerns over increasing wildlife intrusion into agricultural land, crop damage, farmer safety and the need for practical and long-term measures were discussed at an information workshop held at the Aivarnadu Gram Panchayat Community Hall on Tuesday. The Krishika Hitarakshana Samiti, Aivarnadu, organised the ‘Information Workshop on Prevention of Wildlife Menace and Remedial Measures’, bringing farmers from Aivarnadu, Kolthige and surrounding areas together with officials from the Forest and Revenue departments. The workshop provided farmers an opportunity to place their concerns directly before officials, seek clarifications on existing measures and discuss possible approaches to reducing wildlife-related damage and risks to agricultural livelihoods. Rather than being limited to a single aspect of wildlife conflict, the discussions covered a range of issues including wild elephant, wild boar and monkey menace, crop-loss compensation, preventive barriers, forest-edge safety, habitat management, dangerous trees along roads, early precautions for farmers and the renewal and transfer of firearm licenses.

Farmers’ representation read at the workshop

At the beginning of the programme, Krishna Prasad Madthila, Convener of the Krishika Hitarakshana Samiti, presented the introductory statement based on the issues and demands raised in the representation submitted on behalf of farmers. The representation sought scientific and practical measures to address the intrusion of wild elephants, wild boars and monkeys into agricultural areas and called for strengthening measures to protect farmers and crops. It also drew attention to the need for measures that could reduce repeated wildlife intrusion into agricultural holdings.

Several local measures included in the representation

Among the measures put forward was the need for appropriate management of forest areas, including clearing excessive undergrowth in KFDC forest areas, with the objective of improving visibility and examining conditions that may influence wildlife movement near agricultural land. The representation also sought the installation of floodlights and reflective lights along forest boundaries to improve visibility and safety in areas where farmers and wildlife come into close proximity. Another local issue raised was the need for the early removal of dangerous trees along the Deraje–Sheni road, particularly from the perspective of safety for people using the route. The representation also highlighted the need to make the process relating to renewal, transfer and new applications for firearm licences, within the applicable rules, more accessible and less cumbersome for farmers.

Tahsildar responds to farmers’ grievances

Speaking at the programme, Sullia Tahsildar Manjula M., K.A.S., heard the grievances raised by farmers and spoke about the scope for addressing major administrative concerns through the concerned authorities. A specific issue concerning the RTC record of Aivarnadu Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple also came up during the interaction. The interaction also provided farmers an opportunity to bring other local administrative concerns to the attention of the relevant departments.

RFO Kiran presents wildlife data and preventive measures

One of the major components of the workshop was a detailed PowerPoint presentation by Puttur Range Forest Officer (RFO) Kiran B.M. Using data, facts and figures, the RFO explained various aspects of wildlife menace, with particular emphasis on wild elephants. He explained the differences between wild elephants and domesticated elephants, along with aspects of elephant behaviour relevant to farmers living and working close to forest areas. The presentation also covered different methods that can be used to reduce elephant intrusion into agricultural land. Farmers were given information about measures including elephant trenches, solar fencing, tentacle fencing and railway barricades, as well as the circumstances in which different preventive systems may be used. The emphasis was on understanding the nature of the local problem and adopting appropriate preventive measures rather than relying on a single method.

Safety precautions for farmers discussed

RFO Kiran also spoke about precautions that farmers should take to reduce the possibility of dangerous encounters with wildlife. Farmers were advised to exercise particular caution after evening hours and to avoid outdoor movement at night in areas where wildlife activity is reported. He also advised farmers who need to irrigate plantations during night hours to use adequate lighting, including a strong light and explained several do’s and don’ts to be followed in areas vulnerable to wildlife movement. The importance of avoiding situations that could result in direct confrontation with wildlife was also stressed. RFO Kiran further informed the gathering that a proposal had already been submitted to the government seeking an increase in the compensation provided for crop damage.

Proposal to raise solar fencing subsidy to 90 per cent

Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Subbaiah Naik also addressed the gathering. He said that a proposal had been sent to the government seeking to increase the subsidy available to farmers for solar fencing to 90 per cent. The proposal, he said, was aimed at strengthening the ability of farmers to protect agricultural holdings in areas affected by wildlife intrusion. The availability of preventive measures and the support that can be extended to farmers through the Forest Department were also discussed during the session.

Farmers seek long-term solutions to recurring wildlife intrusion

The interaction between farmers and officials that followed the presentations brought several ground-level concerns to the forefront. Farmers spoke about recurring intrusion by wild elephants, wild boars, monkeys and other wildlife, and the resulting damage to crops including arecanut, coconut, banana and rubber. Several farmers pointed out that the impact was not limited to crop loss. Repeated wildlife intrusion also creates difficulties in carrying out routine agricultural activities, particularly in the evenings and at night, when farmers may need to irrigate or attend to their plantations. Farmers called for measures that would address the problem beyond compensation after damage had already occurred, stressing the need for measures aimed at reducing recurring wildlife intrusion and protecting agricultural livelihoods.

Relocation and population control among issues raised by farmers

During the interaction, farmers also raised questions about possible long-term approaches to managing the increasing presence of wildlife in agricultural areas. The possibilities of relocating problem-causing wildlife to suitable distant forest areas and exploring measures relating to population control, including sterilisation where scientifically and legally appropriate, were raised by farmers. The discussion also touched upon the possibility of improving food and habitat conditions within forest areas so that wildlife would have less reason to enter agricultural land. In this context, farmers suggested increasing the availability of bamboo and fruit-bearing plants within forest areas, with the objective of strengthening food resources within suitable forest habitats. These issues formed part of the wider discussion on whether preventive measures should address not only the point where wildlife enters farmland but also the conditions that may influence such movement.

Firearm licence procedures also come up for discussion

The issue of firearm licences received considerable attention during the interaction. The convener and farmers raised concerns regarding delays and difficulties associated with the renewal, transfer and new application procedures for firearm licences. Farmers sought a more streamlined and transparent process, within the applicable legal framework, particularly considering the safety concerns faced by people living and working in areas affected by wildlife movement. The issue was discussed as an administrative and farmer-safety concern, with participants highlighting the need to make the relevant procedures easier to navigate while continuing to follow the prescribed rules.

Farmers place local experiences before officials

Several farmers took part in the interaction and shared their experiences and concerns. Farmers spoke about the recurring nature of wildlife intrusion, the resulting damage to plantations and the difficulties faced in protecting their livelihoods. Forest officials present at the programme listened to the farmers’ concerns and provided information and clarifications on matters falling within the department’s jurisdiction.

The programme was attended by Krishika Hitarakshana Samiti co-conveners Ganesh Kochi and Sathvik Kudungu, Gram Panchayat Development Officer (Secretary) Thirumaleshwara, and Village Accountant Suju. Forest Department officials present included Deputy Range Forest Officers Chandra B.G., Sanjana B. and Sowmya A.G., and Beat Forest Guard Sathyan D.G. The presence of officials from the Forest and Revenue departments enabled farmers to raise issues directly and seek clarification on matters relating to wildlife management, revenue records, compensation and preventive measures. Ramachandra Pallathadka welcomed the gathering, Anindith K S read out the farmer's representation (manavi vachana) during the programme. Suma K.S. offered the prayer. Kishan Jabale compered the programme and Ajith Ivarnadu delivered the vote of thanks.