Coffee Board Initiates Scientific Study to Combat Elephant Conflict in Karnataka
The Coffee Board of India, traditionally focused on coffee research and development, is expanding its mandate to address a critical issue affecting the coffee-growing community: the escalating threat from wild elephants. In a proactive move, the board has proposed a comprehensive scientific study aimed at developing effective preventive measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts in the key coffee-producing districts of Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Hassan in Karnataka.
Collaborative Effort with Government and Neighboring States
For this initiative to succeed, the Coffee Board is actively seeking cooperation from the Karnataka state government and the forest department. Additionally, it plans to approach neighboring Kerala to secure support for preparing a detailed report with actionable recommendations. This cross-border collaboration underscores the regional nature of the elephant conflict issue and the need for a unified approach.
Dedicated Task Force Led by Experts
As part of the program, the Coffee Board will establish a dedicated task force under the leadership of Surendra Varma, a senior scientist with over two decades of experience specializing in Asian elephant research and conservation. Paul Mathew will also play a key role in leading the study. The initiative is the brainchild of Coffee Board chairman MJ Dinesh, himself a coffee planter who is intimately familiar with the hardships faced by planters and plantation laborers due to frequent elephant incursions.
Inclusive Participation and Scientific Methodology
The project will involve a collaborative effort among scientists, coffee planters' associations, forest department officials, and growers. The Coffee Board will depute its own staff to conduct the study using scientific methods, including digital monitoring and field visits. Furthermore, the board plans to engage two students as part of the research team to foster young talent in wildlife conservation.
Dinesh has confirmed that the proposal has been discussed with senior forest department officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar. "We have held multiple rounds of discussions with scientists and growers and have received a positive response," he stated. A formal requisition has been sent to the forest department, and the board is awaiting a response, with hopes that Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre will respond positively.
Study Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The study aims to closely examine elephant behavior, conflict patterns, methods used to drive elephants back into forest areas, and the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies. Currently, there is limited clarity on the specific roles of the state government, the Union government, and the forest department in addressing the issue. The proposed study is expected to clearly define the responsibilities of these institutions while also recognizing the role of the public, coffee planters, associations, and, most importantly, plantation laborers—who are often the worst affected by such conflicts.
Addressing a Pressing Issue with Severe Consequences
In recent years, several lives have been lost in elephant attacks in coffee-growing regions, while herds camping inside plantations have caused extensive damage and significant financial losses. Through this initiative, the Coffee Board aims to support growers and restore confidence among the coffee community by providing scientifically backed solutions to a problem that has long plagued the industry.
This groundbreaking effort marks a significant step forward in integrating wildlife conservation with agricultural sustainability, ensuring that both coffee production and elephant habitats can coexist harmoniously in Karnataka's lush landscapes.
