Farmers demand subsidy to fence fields as stray animals wreak havoc

The growing menace of stray animals such as cattle, bulls, blue bulls and wild pigs has left crop growers in the region grappling with significant crop damage. Farmers and associations like the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) are now demanding special subsidies and grants from the government to help fence their fields and protect their livelihoods.

Hired private guards

We have either deployed family members or hired private guards to protect our crops, which face constant threats from stray animals looking for fodder. — Narender Bisla, farmer

While some farmers have managed to erect fences, many others are forced to guard their fields manually. “We have either deployed family members or hired private guards to protect our crops, which face constant threats from stray animals looking for fodder,” said Narender Bisla, a progressive farmer from Dayalpur village. He emphasised the need for financial assistance, saying, “Despite the significance of this issue, no resolution has been provided to address the damage caused by stray animals.”

Prahlad Kaliraman, a farmer from Atali village, noted that more than 50% of farmers in the area have taken measures such as fencing or manual guarding to protect their fields. “The problem has escalated, but no financial relief or support has been announced by the government,” he added.

Harender Singh from Maujpur village highlighted the high costs involved in protecting crops. “Fencing an acre can cost up to Rs 60,000, depending on the quality of the grill or barbed wire. While small farmers resort to guarding their fields, bigger farmers have opted for fencing. However, to deter blue bulls, fences need to be at least seven feet tall, as five feet is inadequate,” he explained.

Mahender Singh Chauhan, an SKM spokesperson in Palwal district, claimed that the stray animal menace causes 20–25% losses to crops like wheat, sugarcane, gram and vegetables. “Farmers are losing sleep over this issue. The government has failed to devise any plan or strategy to tackle the problem or provide financial assistance. We have raised this matter with the authorities multiple times, but no action has been taken,” he said.

Dharam Chand, a farmer from Gughera village, lamented that despite spending substantial amounts each year on fencing or guarding their fields, farmers receive no government support. “No scheme has been announced to assist us with this recurring issue,” he said.

District Development and Panchayat Officer Capt Pradeep Kumar stated that stray cattle could be shifted to cow shelters, but no formal complaints have been received so far. “Any long-term resolution depends on state-level policy,” he added.

As farmers bear the mounting costs of protecting their crops, they continue to seek government intervention and financial aid to address this pressing issue.