Wild boar menace: farmers in Udumalpet, Madathukulam taluks await effective government intervention

Farmers raising coconut and maize crops in fields adjoining forest areas in Udumalpet and Madathukulam taluks in Tiruppur district are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the latest initiative undertaken by the Forest Department for categorisation of wild boars as vermin.

During the first week of last month, in the wake of a massive protest by farmers in Udumalpet, the Forest Department had sought three months time for finding a solution.

The recommendations of district-level committees consisting of non-governmental organisations, farmers’ associations, and wildlife activists are being factored in for drafting a government order, to address the demand of the farmers affected by loss of crops caused by the wild boars, official sources said.

During 2021, the government had issued an order permitting forest range officers to shoot down wild boars. But, the order was only for a year. Moreover, in view of the restrictions in shooting down pregnant boars and those with cubs, field-level execution of the order was not possible. This factor has also been analysed for drafting a new Government Order, sources added.

According to T. Jegadeesh, secretary, Udumalai Vivasayigal Padhukappu Sangam, the farmers have insisted on lifting the restriction on culling wild boars that had moved to shrublands in human habitations and are procreating in large numbers.

“Every animal gives birth to at least 30 cubs in a year. The animals destroy the entire crops in the field. Sustaining agriculture has become a huge question mark for the farmers in Udumalpet and Madathukulam taluks,” he said.

While at least ₹50,000 is spent for cultivating maize in an acre, the compensation is a mere ₹4,000 for the entire loss. Securing even this involves a lot of hassles,” Mr. Jegadeesh pointed out.

Likewise, every coconut sapling uprooted by the wild boars costs upwards of ₹500. Here again, the compensation is meagre.

The farmers, he said, look for conduct of a tripartite meeting involving participation of officials of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forest Departments, to arrive at a reasonable rate of compensation.

Also, the onus on insuring the crops and paying the premium must be on the Forest Department, he emphasised.