Monsoon and Wildlife-Induced Agricultural Losses

GS3 – Agriculture

Context:

Erratic monsoons and increasing wildlife intrusions are severely impacting farm incomes. An integrated and timely response is necessary to safeguard farmer livelihoods.

Major Challenges

• Crop Damage from Nature and Wildlife:
  • Monsoon Irregularities: Unpredictable rainfall patterns have reduced sowing (e.g., 2018 Kharif sowing declined by 9.7%).
  • Wildlife Raids: Animals like blackbucks, wild boars, and elephants frequently destroy standing crops.
• Increased Costs, Limited Returns:
  Farmers invest heavily in irrigation during dry spells and in protective measures (fencing, guarding), raising input costs with poor recovery.
• Inadequate Compensation:
  For example, Maharashtra suffers estimated losses of ₹10,000–40,000 crore annually from wildlife damage, while only ₹210 crore compensation was disbursed between 2020 and 2024.
• Declining Crop Diversity:
  Over half of affected farmers have abandoned at least one crop due to repeated failures, reducing biodiversity and self-sufficiency.
• Livelihood Insecurity:
  Continued losses prompt migration and agricultural abandonment, weakening rural economies and employment.

Government Responses

• Compensation Legislation:
  Maharashtra’s Compensation Act (2023) allows claims for wildlife-induced crop damage.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
  Offers crop insurance coverage against weather-related damage across India.
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
  Promotes climate-resilient practices such as efficient water use, soil health management, and rain-fed agriculture.
• Multi-Department Panchnama:
  A joint process by forest, agriculture, and revenue departments to assess and approve wildlife damage claims.
• Technology Integration:
  The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Agromet advisory services support weather planning. Maharashtra is exploring tech solutions to monitor wildlife movements and crop damage.