Crop damage caused by wildlife in Kozhikode has crossed ₹1.35 crore in the first eight months of this year, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing farmers ahead of a State-level conclave convened by the Agriculture Department to devise measures to prevent wildlife attacks on agricultural land.

The latest field-level data with the Agriculture department officials reveals that crops worth ₹1,35,29,000 were damaged between January and August 14. Crops in more than 72.42 hectares were affected, with banana accounting for a major share of the losses. Rubber, coconut, arecanut and nutmeg were among the other crops damaged, the official records say.

Leaders of prominent farmers organisations say the figures assume significance as the Agriculture Department is set to hold a State-level conclave at Thiruvambady on September 29 to discuss scientific and practical measures to protect farms from wildlife attacks. It is high time the government considered the implementation of the proposed artificial intelligence, bio-fencing and technology-based barriers in addition to conventional measures, they point out.

Purameri has recorded the highest crop loss reported through the Agriculture Department, with crops belonging to 338 farmers in over 6.19 hectares damaged, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹15.23 lakh. Chathamangalam recorded losses of ₹12.40 lakh, followed by Maruthonkara ₹12.36 lakh. Significant crop damage was also reported from Nochad, Mukkam, Koodaranji, Villiappally, Balussery, Koorachundu, Nanmanda, Kuttiady, Velom, Perumanna, and Thiruvambady.

“Wild boars and porcupines have also emerged as major causes of crop damage. Fencing measures have not always proved effective, according to reports,” says Shaji Thomas, an upland farmer from Nochad. According to him, incidents involving deaths and injuries, damage to houses and other property, and loss of livestock are continuing to be a big concern for farmers.

During the same period, drought caused an estimated ₹28.82 lakh loss for 195 farmers in the district. Heavy rain damaged crops cultivated by 15,980 farmers across 2,943.61 hectares, with the loss from rain-related damage estimated at ₹32.11 crore.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Department officials say the move to convene the Thiruvambady conclave comes amid wider efforts to develop technology-based solutions for wildlife attacks. The government has also announced measures to increase compensation for farmers affected by crop damage, they point out.