Wild elephants destroy crops in Odisha, farmers demand action

Farmers in the Athagarh forest range are reeling under severe agricultural losses after a herd of wild elephants reportedly went on a rampage, destroying acres of standing crops. According to locals, the elephants consumed various vegetables and trampled large stretches of farmland, causing extensive damage in both Athagarh and the neighbouring Khuntuni forest areas.

Crops Trampled and Eaten

Farmers recount that the elephant herd not only devoured seasonal vegetables but also crushed vast portions of fields under their feet. Several acres of cultivated land now lie flattened, leaving growers distressed and uncertain about their harvest prospects.

Also Read: Acres of paddy, sugarcane destroyed: Athagarh farmers panic as elephants move deeper into fields

Farmers Accuse Forest Department of Inaction

Aggrieved farmers have alleged inefficiency on the part of the Forest Department, claiming the authorities failed to prevent the elephants from entering the agricultural zones despite repeated alerts. Expressing frustration, the affected farmers staged a demonstration in front of the forest-range office, demanding immediate intervention and effective measures to mitigate the recurring elephant-human conflict.

“The elephants entered our fields and destroyed all the vegetable crops from chillies to beans; nothing has been spared. If you see the condition of the land now, it is heartbreaking. I even spent Rs 3,000 on clearing the field, and all of it has gone to waste,” said a farmer.

“A herd of 22 elephants wreaked havoc and flattened every inch of our vegetable crops. The field now looks more like a playground than farmland. The Forest Department officials did not take any effective action. We tried everything we could, but we were unable to save our crops from the elephant menace,” lamented another distressed farmer.

Protest Highlights Growing Tension

The protest underscores rising tensions between local communities and forest authorities, as farmers struggle with recurring wildlife intrusions that threaten their livelihoods. Many have urged officials to strengthen monitoring and adopt long-term solutions to safeguard farmland.

As the crisis intensifies, the community awaits a prompt and practical response from the Forest Department, hoping for measures that can protect crops and restore a sense of security in the region.