Gaurs damage fodder fields at dairy farm, raising safety concerns and calls for fencing
A view of the government dairy farm at Koparde.
Valpoi
The growing presence of wild animals in Sattari taluka has become a serious concern for farmers and the agriculture sector. Gaurs, wild boars and monkeys are increasingly entering farms, causing heavy losses. The government dairy farm at Koparde is also facing the impact.
In recent months, herds of gaurs have been entering the dairy farm and damaging green fodder fields on a large scale.
The farm has more than 600 cattle, and the loss of fodder has created concern for its management.
The green grass used daily to feed the cattle is being destroyed, which is affecting the animals’ nutrition. Despite several efforts to control the situation, the problem continues, according to the management.
As a temporary step, staff have been deployed round the clock in the fields to drive away the gaurs. However, there have been several cases where the animals have tried to attack workers, raising safety concerns.
There is now a growing demand to install strong fencing around the dairy farm as a permanent solution. Farmers are also once again calling for such wild animals to be declared “nuisance animals”.
The situation is affecting farm output in Sattari, and there is an urgent need for the government to act.
Request for Minister’s visit
VALPOI: The Koparde dairy farm falls under the Animal Husbandry Department, and a visit by the concerned minister has been suggested.
The approach road to the farm is in need of improvement. There is also land available for fodder cultivation, though some facilities are yet to be developed.
It is felt that a visit could help in understanding the situation and looking at ways to improve the farm’s overall functioning.
