State-level conclave to discuss strategy to address human-wildlife conflict: Minister

A State-level conclave will be held at Thiruvambady on September 29 to evolve scientific and practical solutions to wildlife attacks faced by farmers in Keralam’s hilly regions, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said on Sunday (September 20).

The conclave, is organised by the Agriculture department in association with the Forest department as part of the government’s 100-day action programme.

Experts from Veterinary University, Kerala Agricultural University, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Wildlife Institute of India, Kerala Forest Research Institute, and agri-tech startups, besides farmers, will attend the conclave.

The government plans to explore artificial intelligence, bio-fencing, and technology-based barriers, along with conventional methods, to protect agricultural land from wildlife attacks. Preventive measures will be taken at three levels — crop-centric, species-centric and area-centric, Mr. Siddique said.