17-06-2025
Turmeric farming a new way to thwart wild animal threat in Munnar
The once abandoned cropland in the tribal settlements of Munnar will soon adorn a green carpet with the arrival of a new farming practice. According to officials, the tribal population under the wildlife division have introduced turmeric farming in the abandoned lands in various settlements with the financial support of the Forest department.
Commenting on the initiative, Munnar Wildlife Warden K.V. Harikrishnan said that last year, two acres of turmeric farming was conducted under the Munnar forest division, and it reaped rich dividends. 'This year, turmeric farming will be conducted on a total of 55.56 acres of land in the tribal settlements of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi National Park. The lands were abandoned over the years due to wild animal attacks. 'The trial farming conducted here had found that turmeric farming is very practical in these lands,' said Mr. Harikrishnan.
'The Anamudi Forest Development Agency will provide financial assistance to the farmers for turmeric farming. One high-yield variety named 'Pragathi' and another local variety of seeds will be in use. The harvested turmeric will be sold through 'Chilla', the Forest department's weekly tribal market at Marayur as well as the department-owned eco-shop,' said the official.
According to officials, all types of wild animals, including wild elephants and wild boars, stay away from the turmeric farms. 'During the trial farming, the department and tribal farmers monitored the wild animal entry into turmeric farmlands and confirmed this, despite the easy access for the wild animals that reach the forest fringe. The assured market and income are another attraction for turmeric farming,' said Mr. Harikrishnan.
Threat wanes
Over the months, officials noted that the crop-raiding threat had waned in the vicinity. 'Turmeric farming is a new hope for farmers, giving an average yield of five tonnes per acre of land,' said an official.
According to officials, turmeric farming has been introduced at Eechamppetty, Iruttalakudy, Thayannankudy, Alampetty, Puthukkudy, Vellakkalkudy, Mulangamutty, Kulachivayal, Swamiyaralakudy, Valsapettykudy, Koodallarkudy and Lakkam Kudy under the Munnar forest division.
In 2017, the Forest department launched a project named 'Punarjeevanam' by former Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) assistant wildlife warden P.M. Prabhu, aimed at reviving traditional millet cultivation among tribal communities and achieved a big success.
