After struggling for decades, relief came their way when Gobichettipalayam-based Provimi Products introduced Herboliv+, a plant growth promoter and wild animal repellent spray to solve the man-animal conflict.

G.V. Sudarshan, Director of Provimi says the formula helps control intrusion of wild animals into agricultural fields and also aids crop growth. The Forest College and Research Institute at Mettupalayam is testing the product.

Business Line, meanwhile, spoke to a couple of farmers who have been using this spray for about a month now.

Velusamy, a small farmer, residing at Mundirimudaku, Odanthurai Panchayat in Mettupalayam says not a day passes without intrusion of some animal or the other into his field. Velusamy’s farm is located just about 1,500 feet away from the Ooty hills. “It is very close to the forest. I have been living and cultivating banana in this 2.5 acre plot for more than 8 years now. Intrusion of animals such as deer, bison and wild boar is quite high. They attack young plants. They just stray from the forest anytime of the day and pull out the plantlet. We use sticks, beat drums to ward them off. The area is fenced by electric lines to ensure that these animals do not invade the cultivated area. We have to keep a watch though as they tend to break such barriers easily,” says Velusamy

His observation of the elephants’ routine was more interesting. “Elephants cross this stretch anywhere between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and retrace their way back into the forest between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. If they cross the electric fence and enter the farm, there’s no way one can save the crop. They will attack and destroy tens of hundreds of plants within minutes. They usually invade the field only when the plant is five-six months old or is nearing the flowering stage. The sound of drums, crackers and the sight of fire keep them off the field. Interestingly, elephants follow the same path.”

When asked how he manages to protect the plantain crop, Velusamy said that he has engaged two security guards. “We do not get agriculture labourers here and the cost of engaging security guards is even more expensive. I pay Rs 500/day, for keeping a watch on elephants, and such guards are difficult to come by these days,” adds Velu.

Labour shortage

Nagaraj, who lives about 2 km away from the foothills at Jallimedu, cultivates vegetables. “It’s not easy. There is a huge shortage of agriculture labour in this part and we have to protect our farmlands from animal intrusion as well. Many of them have given their land on lease or sold and moved out,’ said this farmer.

“Intrusion of monkeys is very high here,” says Srinivasan, a farmer in Kalar.

These farmers and a few others feel that this product should help them keep the wild animals at bay. “It is not poisonous. The strong odour keeps them off. For now, this seems a best remedy.. After years of struggle, we hope this will give us some respite,” says Srinivasan

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