Wild porcupines and wild boars damage crops in West Sikkim; farmers demand action
Farmers in West Sikkim report repeated damage to maize fields by wild porcupines and wild boars. They say losses are pushing many to abandon farming and are now
Farmers in West Sikkim say wild animals are damaging standing crops and causing heavy losses. They report that porcupines and wild boars have repeatedly entered fields at night, destroying maize grown near forested areas.
The worst-hit areas include Hee-Gaon, Pechrek and nearby villages under the Maneybung-Dentam constituency. Farmers there say dense forests around their settlements provide a nearby habitat for animals, which then stray into farms during night hours.
Maize fields reportedly devastated in multiple villages
In Hee-Gaon, one farmer said his entire maize crop was lost to porcupines this year, even after using traditional methods to protect the crop. Farmers in adjoining villages have also reported similar damage, describing the repeated attacks as a major hit to their investments and time spent in cultivation.
In Pechrek, farmers reported damage to maize fields by wild boars. They said the losses are discouraging cultivation because they struggle to harvest even a part of the crop when animals keep destroying it. Several farmers also claimed that recurring crop destruction is making farming economically unsustainable for many households.
Calls for a policy and compensation mechanism
Farmers have urged the state government to prepare a comprehensive plan to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect agricultural livelihoods. They also asked for suitable changes to existing laws, so that conservation goals and farmers’ interests can be balanced.
Reports of crop damage are not limited to Hee-Gaon and Pechrek. Farmers in Rungdu, Salley, Lungjik, Lingchom, Byadung and Upper Kyongsa also said animals such as monkeys and peafowl are affecting crops in some areas, while boars and monkeys have caused losses in others. In Thingling-Khecheopalri under the Yuksam-Tashiding constituency, residents said wild bears have damaged crops, killed livestock and created risks to people. Farmers also alleged that despite complaints, the Forest and Environment department has not provided compensation. Department officials were not available for comment.
