MAWKYRWAT, Oct 22: The Federation of Khasi-Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP), Ranikor Circle, held a meeting on Thursday with farmers from the Ranikor area who have suffered heavy crop losses due to recurring wild elephant attacks over the past few years.
Speaking to reporters, FKJGP Ranikor Circle General Secretary Balse Kharbani said that despite multiple complaints, visits by Forest and Wildlife Department officials to assess the damage yielded no results.
He noted that officials merely collected documents from the farmers, with no financial assistance or relief sanctioned so far.
“The biggest problem is that farmers invested in their fields by borrowing from local moneylenders. Now that wild elephants have destroyed their crops, how will they repay these loans?” Kharbani said.
Farmers at the meeting said the rampaging herds have destroyed crops including betel nut, betel leaf, pineapple, and banana, leaving each farmer with losses of at least Rs 3 lakh. They added that the problem has worsened, with elephants now entering villages and damaging homes.
“We have decided to meet the Chief Minister to ask why the government cannot extend financial assistance to farmers in Ranikor. In other areas, we have seen him visit farms, listen to their grievances, and provide relief,” Kharbani said.
He added that if the government fails to support them, official appeals urging educated youth to take up agriculture instead of seeking government jobs become meaningless, discouraging young people from becoming self-reliant.
Kharbani urged the Chief Minister to address the farmers’ plight, warning that the organisation would decide on a course of agitation if the government fails to provide an adequate response.