Srinagar: Farmers across parts of north and central Kashmir have raised alarm over a sharp rise in wild boar attacks on agricultural fields, reporting significant damage to freshly sown paddy saplings and other crops. The growing menace, they say, is pushing many farming families toward financial strain at the very start of the cultivation season.
Villagers from multiple areas in Bandipora and Budgam districts—including Inderkote, Markundal, Naidkhai, Nowgam, Repora, Namthall, Checkpora, and Buchroo, have reported repeated incidents of crop destruction over the past several days. According to locals, wild boars are entering fields during the night and early morning hours, uprooting paddy saplings and damaging soil beds prepared for cultivation.
Farmers say the losses have come at a crucial time, just days after sowing. “We invest time, labor, and money into preparing our fields, but overnight everything is destroyed,” said a farmer from Repora, describing the recurring damage.
Social activist Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat urged authorities to intervene urgently. He called for practical measures such as installing traps, monitoring affected zones, and relocating wild boars to safer habitats. He also advised farmers to prepare additional paddy saplings to support those suffering repeated losses.
Residents estimate that dozens of paddy plots have already been affected, with damage reported across several villages. Many farmers fear the situation could worsen if timely steps are not taken, particularly as agricultural activity intensifies in the coming weeks.
Locals also expressed concern over what they describe as a slow response from the Wildlife Department. They have appealed to the administration to implement preventive strategies, including fencing, night patrols, and rapid-response teams to control the situation.
Agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods in these areas, and farmers warn that continued crop losses could lead to serious economic hardship. They have called for immediate government intervention to safeguard their fields and ensure that the ongoing farming season is not severely disrupted.
