VALPOI
Coconut production in Sattari taluka is under serious threat due to the increasing menace of wild animals, particularly monkeys.
Coconut growers are suffering heavy losses as monkeys frequently enter plantations, climb trees and damage tender coconuts, bunches and branches.
Favourable conditions
Sattari was once known for its good coconut production, with the soil and climatic conditions being favourable for coconut cultivation. The availability of irrigation facilities, including check dams and lift irrigation schemes, also encouraged farmers to take up coconut cultivation on a larger scale.
Growing damage
However, over the past decade, the increasing population and movement of wild animals have caused growing damage to coconut plantations. Farmers said coconuts are often destroyed before they reach maturity, resulting in a significant decline in production and income.
Rising losses
Coconut cultivation requires considerable investment and several years before trees become productive. With crops repeatedly damaged by monkeys and other wild animals, farmers find it increasingly difficult to recover their investment. As a result, many are now reluctant to undertake new coconut plantations.
Declining production, rising cultivation costs and damage caused by wild animals have added to the difficulties faced by coconut growers. Farmers fear that if the situation continues, coconut production in some parts of Sattari could decline drastically in the coming years.
Repeated appeals
Farmers have repeatedly raised the issue through representations, protests and complaints to the authorities. They have also brought the matter to the attention of elected representatives and the government. However, they claim that no permanent solution has yet been implemented.
They have appealed to the government to move beyond assurances and introduce effective measures to control the wild animal menace and protect agricultural crops.
Joint action
Farmers have called for coordinated action by the Agriculture and Forest departments to address the problem. They have demanded a survey of affected areas, effective crop-protection measures, timely compensation for crop losses and long-term measures to prevent repeated damage.
Merely encouraging new coconut plantations will not be sufficient unless existing plantations are protected from wild animals, farmers said.
Farmers have requested the government to convene a joint meeting of the departments concerned, assess the extent of crop damage and announce immediate and long-term measures to protect agricultural plantations.
