Odisha farmers endure sleepless night to protect crops from wild animals

As the rice harvesting season approaches, farmers across parts of India face the dual challenge of adverse weather and wildlife encroachment. In regions like Pallahara in Angul district and Aska in Ganjam district, farmers are plagued by wild animals that threaten their crops.  

While elephants are known to trample the fields, wild boars and monkeys also contribute to the damage. To combat this menace, farmers are abandoning their homes to keep constant watch over their fields, both day and night.

Staying Vigilant to Save Crops

Makeshift platforms near the fields serve as vantage points where entire families of farmers sometimes relocate during the harvest period.

“We can only save our crops by staying vigilant. Elephants, deer, and other wild animals pose a serious threat to our livelihoods,” said Ishwar Pradhan, a farmer from Angul's Pallahara.

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The commitment to safeguarding their crops sees farmers taking various deterrents such as sticks, loud noises, and fires to ward off wild animals.

Impact on Livelihoods of Farmers

In areas such as Aska block in Ganjam and throughout the regions like Bhetanai, Kharia, Badagada, Sidhanai, Dharakote, and Sheragada, thus, staying 24x7 vigilant is a regular necessity.

The intrusion of wild animals not only poses a threat to the immediate harvest but also endangers the region's agricultural economy.

“Thousands of deer and boars destroy crops and harvest in the region. Farmers are at a loss because many do not know of the government’s compensation benefits. However, those who do avail feel that the compensation is inadequate compared to the losses,” stated Tulu Jena, Sarpanch of Bhetanai.

Farmers have filed numerous compensation claims with the local forest range officers, but they are allegedly yet to get any help from the administration or the government.

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“Our field staff immediately visit and survey the losses following which farmers are instantly compensated. The sooner an aggrieved farmer provides us with all relevant documents, the sooner we process their compensation claims,” clarified Aska Forest Ranger, Pramod Kumar Panda.

The persistent challenge of wildlife interference necessitates diligent monitoring and creative solutions, said locals.