Wild boar herd causes extensive crop damage in Odisha, farmers demand compensation

A herd of wild boar has been creating havoc and causing extensive crop damage leaving the farmers in a state of despair at several villages under Koman block in Nuapada district. 

According to sources, the wild boar herd enters the villager as soon as the Sun sets in and goes on rampage by destroying paddy, corn and vegetable farming on acres of land in Komna, Birun Padar, Pandelbahali, Bilenjor and Bahalmunda villages in the district.

Meanwhile, the farmers in the region have demanded the Forest department officials to come up with a permanent solution to drive away the wild animals from the region.

“We have suffered an extensive crop loss due to the boars. If this goes on, how will we run our family? Neither the Forest department officials visited the village, nor did they carry out inspection to providing compensation,” alleged NIlambar Patel, a farmer from Birunpadar.

Echoing the same, Narendra Pradhan, another farmer from Komna said, “A herd of 25-30 wild boars have been damaging the crops and vegetables in our village. We have fenced our farmland on our own. Forest department should come up with a permanent solution to address the issue.” 

Meanwhile, Komna ranger Debadutta Sutar assured that necessary compensation will be provided to the farmers after an inquiry.

“Any farmer, who has faced crop loss due to the wild animals, can raise a complaint on the specified portal. Upon receiving the complaint, Forest department officials will carry out the inquiry and submit the report online. Once the report is submitted, the compensation will be released within seven days,” said Sutar.