Farmers from Corgao in particular, and the entire Pernem taluka in general, are going through tough times as crops are being destroyed by bison. Wild animals have damaged fields in villages across the region during both the rabi and kharif seasons, leaving farmers in distress.
Extensive damage to crops here is caused by peacocks, bison, wild boar, and pigeons. Sugarcane, bananas, coconut saplings, pulses, chillies, seasonal vegetables, and other crops are destroyed overnight, plunging farmers into colossal losses. In fact, the entire Pernem taluka has been at the mercy of wild animals, with the maximum crop damage being inflicted by marauding herds of bison.
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Currently, three herds of bison are regularly spotted at Corgao, even during the day. Farmers try to do their bit by keeping a watch from mashans, but maintaining a night vigil is simply not feasible after a long day of toiling in the fields. They also live in fear of being attacked by wild animals, making it dangerous to guard their land after dark.
One cannot blame the wild animals either, as their habitat has been deliberately destroyed by humans for construction purposes. Everywhere, hills are being set afire, land is being fenced, and animals are being left homeless. Constructions have cropped up in every nook and corner of Pernem taluka, forcing wildlife to encroach upon farmland in search of food.
Compensation paid to affected farmers is a farce, as they are forced to run from pillar to post for measly amounts given by the agriculture department. The financial assistance provided is often inadequate and delayed, adding to their frustration.
Many farmers would prefer to install solar-powered fencing to protect their fields, but they struggle with a hand-to-mouth existence and simply do not have the resources to do so. The agriculture department’s policy of requiring farmers to pay upfront and claim subsidies later makes it even more difficult for them to adopt preventive measures.
Most farmers in the locality are senior citizens who have lived off the land for decades. Today, they are a helpless lot, watching their hard work go to waste. They hope the government will step in with a lasting solution to this pressing issue and that the Forest Department will take action against those responsible for destroying the natural habitat of wild animals.
