Environmentalists and farmer leaders in Telangana have expressed serious concern over the escalating monkey menace, urging authorities to adopt a scientific and humane approach to address the issue. They emphasized that the problem has evolved from a minor nuisance into a substantial threat to agricultural produce, causing significant financial losses for farmers.
Round-Table Conference Highlights Concerns
These concerns were raised during a round-table conference titled 'Check the Monkey Menace - Save the Farming Community', held on Tuesday in Hyderabad. The event brought together various stakeholders, including farmer leaders, environmentalists, and government representatives, to discuss the growing crisis.
Impact on Agriculture
Kodanda Reddy, Chairman of the Rythu Commission, highlighted that the increasing frequency of monkey attacks is posing a severe challenge for farmers. He noted that monkeys are damaging fruit orchards, vegetable crops, and food grains, leading to heavy financial losses. Reddy called for immediate measures to protect the farming community.
Ecological Imbalances Blamed
M Padamanabha Reddy, President of the Forum for Good Governance, pointed out that the issue has worsened over the years due to ecological imbalances, diminishing forest cover, and inadequate wildlife management policies. He urged the government to develop a scientific and humane approach that balances animal welfare with the needs of farmers.
Demand for Compensation and Long-Term Measures
Farmer rights activist Kanneganti Ravi demanded compensation for affected farmers and called for long-term preventive measures to mitigate the menace. He stressed that farmers should not bear the brunt of wildlife-related losses alone.
Call for Comprehensive Policy
Participants at the meeting unanimously called for a comprehensive policy that involves collaboration between the forest department, agriculture department, and local authorities. They believe that a coordinated effort is essential to effectively tackle the monkey menace and safeguard agricultural livelihoods.
The conference underscored the urgent need for action, as the monkey menace continues to threaten food security and the economic well-being of farmers in Telangana.
