Tamil Nadu announces ₹7.35-crore package to help farmers tackle wild boar crop damage
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a special ₹7.35-crore package in the Agriculture Budget 2026-27 to address the growing problem of crop damage caused by wild boars and other wild animals. The measures include the supply of an eco-friendly liquid repellent, installation of solar-powered electric fencing, and removal of invasive plant species that serve as boar habitats.
Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly on Thursday, Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth said the liquid wild boar repellent developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) will be made available to farmers at subsidised rates. The scheme will cover 14,000 acres of farmland at a cost of ₹1.35 crore, fully funded by the State government. The repellent is designed to keep wild boars away without harming the animals or the environment, offering a sustainable solution to a problem that has caused severe economic distress to farmers across the State.
Drawing from Tamil Nadu's literary heritage, the Minister quoted verses from the Sangam classic Malaipadukadam to illustrate how ancient communities protected their crops. He noted that people once guarded narrow paths used by wild boars by installing adar — rare stone traps made of large slabs designed to ensnare the animals. The reference was used to highlight the long history of human-wildlife conflict in the region and the need for modern, humane solutions.
In addition to wild boars, farmers in many districts face crop losses from elephants, gaurs, and deer. To reduce such losses, the government will install solar-powered electric fencing systems at subsidised rates for 134 farmers during the current fiscal year, with an allocation of ₹2 crore. These fences are expected to provide a reliable and cost-effective barrier, reducing the dependence on hazardous methods such as illegal electric traps or poison.
The Minister also pointed out that the dense growth of Prosopis juliflora (locally known as Seemai Karuvelam) in several districts has become a preferred habitat for wild boars. This invasive species, which spreads rapidly and depletes groundwater, has aggravated the conflict by providing shelter to animals near farmlands. To address this, the government will undertake the removal of Prosopis juliflora from both government and private lands through District Collectors. An amount of ₹4 crore has been earmarked from the State fund for this initiative.
Farmers' groups have welcomed the package, though some have called for faster implementation and extension of the schemes to more areas. The measures reflect a broader shift towards integrated pest and animal management strategies that balance agricultural productivity with wildlife conservation. The use of non-lethal repellents and fencing is seen as a positive step, but experts note that long-term solutions require better land-use planning and habitat management.
The Agriculture Budget 2026-27 focuses on sustainable farming, water conservation, and supporting small and marginal farmers. The newly announced measures are part of this larger effort to safeguard rural livelihoods from the increasing pressures of climate change and human-wildlife interactions.
