Wildlife crop damage in Kozhikode tops ₹1.35 crore ahead of State conclave
Crops worth ₹1.35 crore were damaged by wildlife in Kozhikode between January and August 14, with Purameri recording the highest loss.
Crop damage caused by wildlife in Kozhikode has crossed ₹1.35 crore in the first eight months of the year, according to field-level data compiled by the Agriculture department. Crops valued at ₹1,35,29,000 were lost between January and August 14, with damage reported across more than 72.42 hectares.
Banana accounted for the largest share of the losses. Rubber, coconut, arecanut and nutmeg were among the other crops affected.
Purameri records highest loss
Purameri reported the biggest crop loss registered through the Agriculture department, with crops belonging to 338 farmers damaged over more than 6.19 hectares and an estimated loss of ₹15.23 lakh. Chathamangalam followed with ₹12.40 lakh and Maruthonkara with ₹12.36 lakh.
Substantial damage was also reported from Nochad, Mukkam, Koodaranji, Villiappally, Balussery, Koorachundu, Nanmanda, Kuttiady, Velom, Perumanna and Thiruvambady.
Shaji Thomas, an upland farmer from Nochad, said wild boars and porcupines have emerged as major causes of crop damage, and that fencing measures have not always proved effective. Incidents involving deaths and injuries, damage to houses and other property, and loss of livestock remain a serious concern for farmers, he added.
Conclave to weigh technology-based solutions
The figures come as the Agriculture department prepares to hold a State-level conclave at Thiruvambady on September 29 to discuss scientific and practical measures to protect farms from wildlife attacks. Farmers' organisations have urged the government to consider artificial intelligence, bio-fencing and technology-based barriers alongside conventional measures.
Department officials said the conclave is part of wider efforts to develop technology-driven solutions for wildlife attacks, and noted that the government has announced steps to increase compensation for farmers affected by crop damage.
Drought and rain add to farmers' burden
Wildlife was not the only source of loss during the period. Drought caused an estimated ₹28.82 lakh in damage for 195 farmers in the district. Heavy rain damaged crops cultivated by 15,980 farmers across 2,943.61 hectares, with rain-related losses estimated at ₹32.11 crore.