VALPOI
Agriculture in Sattari taluka has been affected by wild animal attacks for nearly a decade, with gaurs, wild boars and monkeys damaging crops and plantations. Coconut, arecanut, banana, mango and paddy cultivation have been particularly affected, prompting several farmers to abandon traditional farming.
With Agriculture Minister Sankalp Amonkar recently taking charge of the department, farmers have called for permanent measures to protect crops and plantations.
Repeated appeals
Farmers have submitted several representations to the government over the past ten years and staged a sit-in protest in Valpoi. Local MLA Dr Deviya Rane has also raised the issue repeatedly in the Goa Legislative Assembly. However, farmers allege that no concrete measures have been implemented.
They have sought an effective crop-protection mechanism, adequate compensation for losses and coordination between the Forest and Agriculture departments.
Coconut losses
Coconut cultivation has been severely affected by monkeys damaging coconuts on trees and reducing yields. Farmers say that despite spending heavily on plantations and maintenance, they cannot ensure production.
Sattari was once known for substantial coconut production, but repeated monkey attacks have discouraged new plantations and affected overall output. Farmers have sought special schemes to protect coconut plantations.
Paddy decline
Sattari traditionally cultivated paddy during both the monsoon and winter seasons. However, gaurs and wild boars frequently enter fields and destroy standing crops, causing heavy losses.
Several farmers have discontinued paddy cultivation due to repeated crop damage.
Plantations threatened
Banana, arecanut, mango and other fruit plantations are also affected by wild animal attacks. Small and medium-scale farmers face additional financial pressure due to rising cultivation, labour and fertiliser costs. Several have gradually moved away from farming.
Minister’s intervention
Farmers have called on Amonkar to visit Sattari and interact with them to understand the extent of crop damage and their difficulties. They have also proposed a joint meeting involving farmers’ representatives and officials of the Agriculture and Forest departments to discuss solutions.
Protection measures
Farmers have sought identification and inspection of vulnerable areas, protective fencing wherever necessary, safe solar-powered animal deterrent systems and simplified compensation procedures to ensure timely assistance.
They have also called for villages repeatedly affected by crop damage to be covered under a special action plan and for a comprehensive policy to protect agricultural fields and sustain farm production.
Farmers have stressed the need for preventive measures rather than limiting government assistance to compensation after losses occur.
They have called on Amonkar to take up the issue and introduce measures to protect agriculture and plantations in Sattari.
