Are Coimbatore Farmers Taking Matters into Their Own Hands Against Wild Boar Issues?
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Synopsis
Farmers in Coimbatore are frustrated with ineffective government responses to the wild boar menace. They are mobilizing to create their own capture team, demanding a more effective culling policy. This grassroots movement highlights the need for immediate action to protect agricultural lands from these destructive animals.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers in Coimbatore are frustrated with government responses to wild boars.
- A new farmer team is forming to capture wild boars invading fields.
- Current culling regulations are viewed as impractical by farmers.
- Farmers demand changes to policy for effective wildlife management.
- The conflict highlights the need for better agricultural protection.
Chennai, Dec 3 (NationPress) Farmers associated with the Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam have declared their intention to establish a specialized team aimed at capturing and removing wild boars that are invading agricultural lands in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. They cite a lack of effective action from the Forest Department despite numerous appeals.
During a recent meeting at Karadimadai in Perur, the organization passed a resolution to form a 15-member task force made up of veteran farmers who will initiate the capture of wild boars encroaching on their fields.
This initiative comes amid increasing frustration among farmers who report that repeated wild boar raids are leading to significant crop destruction and financial burdens. They pointed to the state government's culling guidelines issued in January 2025, which they argue have not been properly enforced.
The guidelines stipulate a multi-tiered approach: culling is banned within one kilometer of forest borders; capture and release are permissible between one and three kilometers; and regulated culling by trained personnel is authorized beyond three kilometers.
President of the Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam, T. Venugopal, commented that these restrictions are not feasible for farmers dealing with boars directly in their fields. “We are insisting on a revision of the order to permit culling of wild boars invading our lands without limitations. Despite the order being issued 11 months ago, the response from the Forest Department has been minimal,” he stated.
Venugopal mentioned that the newly proposed farmer squad is designed to mitigate the growing threat. “This team will consist of fifteen trained farmers who will start capturing wild boars that invade farmlands to avert crop damage,” he added.
District Forest Officer (DFO) N. Jayaraj, however, warned that farmers are not authorized to conduct culling operations. He emphasized that only forest personnel are permitted to carry out regulated culling beyond the three-kilometer limit.
“According to the regulations, farmers must refrain from culling wild boars. Our staff is trained to handle wild boars that enter areas beyond the designated distance,” he explained.
The DFO also mentioned that the department has culled two wild boars in the Madukkarai forest range and captured over 50 since the order was implemented. Although the department claims to be taking action, farmers argue that the response has been insufficient to resolve the escalating crisis.
This ongoing dispute highlights the urgent need for a more practical and effective policy to safeguard farms against increasing wild boar intrusions.
Point of View
We understand the plight of farmers facing wild boar invasions. Their concerns reflect a broader issue of agricultural policy and wildlife management in India. It is crucial for the government to engage with farmers and develop a more effective strategy that balances wildlife conservation with the needs of agriculture.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions are farmers in Coimbatore planning against wild boars?
Farmers are forming a dedicated 15-member team to capture and eliminate wild boars invading their fields due to perceived inaction from the Forest Department.
Why are farmers dissatisfied with the current culling order?
Farmers argue that the culling order issued in January 2025 is impractical as it restricts culling within one kilometer of forest boundaries, making it ineffective for those facing direct boar intrusions.
What has the Forest Department said about the farmers' plans?
The District Forest Officer has warned that farmers are not legally allowed to cull wild boars and that only trained forest personnel can perform such operations.
How many wild boars has the Forest Department dealt with since the order?
The Forest Department has culled two wild boars and captured over 50 since the culling order was issued, although farmers claim this response is inadequate.
What is the main concern of the farmers regarding wild boars?
Farmers are primarily concerned about the extensive crop damage and financial strain caused by frequent wild boar attacks on their agricultural lands.
