Farmers of Kushara village are distressed due to stray animals, hundreds of acres of crops destroyed

Gorakhpur. These days, farmers of about two dozen nearby villages including Kushara village of Jangal Kaudiya area are badly troubled by the terror of stray animals. Hundreds of herds of stray animals are entering the fields and trampling the standing crops, causing huge financial loss to the farmers. Major Rabi crops like wheat, barley, mustard, potato, peas, pulses and oilseeds are being destroyed due to animals. The situation is such that farmers are forced to guard their fields day and night, yet it is not possible to save the crops completely.

The number of stray animals is continuously increasing in these villages situated in the foothill area between Rapti and Rohin rivers. Farmers say that animals enter the fields in large herds and within a few hours spoil all their hard work. Hundreds of acres of standing crops in Kushara and surrounding villages have been destroyed so far. This has not only affected the income of the farmers, but has also increased their concern about the future.

Local farmers Ram Singh, Vijay Singh, Shambhu Gaur, Rakesh Gupta, Sandalu Kanojia and Ramvriksh Sadai Nishad told that they have sown the Rabi crop by taking loan. Huge expenditure is incurred on seeds, fertilizers, irrigation and labour. It is expected that a good yield will repay the loan and meet the needs of the family, but even before the crop is ready, stray animals destroy it. Due to this, their financial condition is becoming weaker day by day.

Farmers say that the problem becomes more serious at night. Despite the cold, they light bonfires in the fields and guard the crops with torches and sticks. Many times, even after staying awake the whole night, herds of animals enter the fields. Some farmers are even keeping their children and other family members under surveillance, due to which studies and domestic life are also being affected.

According to the villagers, due to the large area of ​​the area, it is very difficult to protect the crops at the individual level. When animals are driven from one field, they enter another field. Despite collective efforts, a permanent solution to the problem is not being found. There is a fear among farmers that if this situation continues then farming will become a loss-making deal in the coming years.

Farmers have demanded from the administration and public representatives that a permanent solution to the problem of stray animals should be provided. The number of cow shelters should be increased, the capacity and arrangements of the already running cow shelters should be improved and regular action should be taken to capture the animals and send them there. Besides, after assessing the crop damage, arrangements should also be made to compensate the farmers, so that they can get some relief.

Overall, the increasing menace of stray animals in Kushara village and surrounding areas of Jangal Kauria area has become a serious crisis for the farmers. If concrete steps are not taken in time, the livelihood of farmers will be deeply affected and their confidence in farming may shake. The Deputy District Magistrate said that temporary cow sheds will be built in the affected areas.