Suhail Rather
Bandipora May 06 (KNS): Wild Boars have resurfaced in Bandipora district after more than a decade and has wreak havoc in agricultural land destroying paddy nurseries.
Farmers told Kashmir Convener that the attacks by wild boars is turning out to be a disaster for agriculture in Bandipora this year and demand government intervention.
Reports have emerged from villages including Aragam, Garoora, Hajin, and Ajas, where farmers say wild boars are destroying paddy seedlings overnight. “We sow paddy seeds during the day, but by morning the fields are devastated by wild boars,” said Hilal Ahmad, a farmer from Aragam.
Wildlife experts trace the origin of the Indian wild boar in Kashmir to the era of Maharaja Gulab Singh, who is believed to have introduced the species to the region in the mid-19th century. Historical accounts, including those of British officer Walter Roper Lawrence, mention wild boar meat being a delicacy among Dogras and Sikhs.
Sajad Ahmad, another farmer from the area, said, “They come at night in groups and destroy entire patches.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe’ve started putting up temporary fences, but it’s not enough.”
With the sowing season already delayed due to erratic weather, farmers fear the crop damage could severely impact their yield this year. They have appealed to the district administration and the wildlife department for immediate intervention.
Wildlife Warden for North Kashmir, Intesar Suhail, acknowledged the reports but said the department has limited options. “Wild boars move in flocks and are difficult to control. Farmers should adopt community-based nurseries so that they can collectively monitor and protect their crops,” he advised.
The affected communities are now urging authorities to deploy protective measures and provide compensation for the damages, warning that if the issue persists, it could lead to significant agricultural losses in the district. (KNS)