Wild boar menace has farmers up in arms
The farmers brought the son of the deceased farmer, Kalimuthu, to the Collectrate and submitted a petition seeking ₹10 lakh compensation for the loss of banana crop and another ₹10 lakh for the family of the deceased farmer.
A senior farmer, N.A. Ramachandra Raja, said that the Government Order to cull wild boars issued in January 2025 has not been implemented in the district.
Deputy Director, Srivilliputtur Meghamalai Tiger Reserve, Devaraj, said that district-level committee headed by the District Collector, DD (SMTR), Project Director (District Rural Development Agency) and District Revenue Officer has been formed.
Similarly, village-level committees comprising foresters and village administrative officers have been formed.
'We request the farmers in areas that are highly affected by wild boars to give a written request which would be sent to the State Government for further action. Shooting down the wild boars in open areas would lead to loss of life of people in cross firing,' he said.
He also said that a cage has been set up in two places for catching the animals.
However, the farmers were not convinced by his reply.
They said that the forest department has come up with a highly non-feasible action plan.
The officials are camping during day time, while the wild boars come out of their hideouts only during nights, one of them claimed.
Mr. Arjunan said that it was the concerns raised by farmers of Virudhunagar district that such a Government Order was issued for culling the wild boars, but no action has been taken.
Another farmer, R. Rampandian, said that the forest department officials should leave the issue with the farmers who could handle the wild boars.
Mr. Arjunan wanted the cooperation of the forest officials in allowing farmers to chase the wild boars back into the forest. 'All that you should do is not book case against farmers,' he said. He said that Kerala Government was encouraging farmers to shoot down wild boars.
The issues of procurement of mangoes and cotton by regulated markets was raised to help the farmers get better price.
Farmer Vijaymurugan complained that coconut trees, which were grown on around 30,000 acres of land in Virudhunagar district, did not have insurance. Similarly, insurance of cattle heads was also discussed at the meeting.
District Revenue Officer R. Rajendran, Personal Assistant (Agriculture) to Collector Nachiyarammal, Revenue Divisional Officer, Sattur, Kanagaraj, were among those who were present.
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