Wokha, February 24 (MExN): Awareness programme on alternate farming system in view of the ongoing threats posed by wild elephants was organised in New Wokha village on February 22. The programme, organized by the Hammock Resort Group, was held at the conference hall of The Hammock Resort.
Chairperson Dr. Chumben Murry highlighted the importance of the programme, which was initiated solely for the people affected by wild elephants in the district and how different approaches can be adopted in order to sustain livelihood.
Resource person, C Peter Yanthan, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Wokha spoke about the habitats, behaviour, food habits and nature of elephants. Speaking on how to avoid elephants, he pointed out that in order to get a solution one should study and understand the problem. Elephants avoid certain crops like chilli, ginger, pepper, turmeric, oilseeds, cocoa, tea and fruit trees like mango and lemon. Hence, proper planning with such crop reduces the risk of damage, he stated, adding elephants are also afraid of bees. The buzzing of bees repels the elephants thus avoiding areas infested by bees.
He further said that resorting to Bee Keeping in and around the field parameters not only keeps away the mammals, but ensure additional income to the farmers. Pointing out that elephants are intelligent and have territorial consciousness, Peter informed that smearing urines of other elephants on the bark of trees warns the elephants of other herds in that area forcing them to change routes.
Another resource person, Kilemsungba Ao, District Horticulture Officer, Wokha, spoke on the importance of resorting to antiviolence when it comes to avoiding the elephants. “Elephants have a strong memory and have revenge tendency. As such, when people try violent ways forcing them to retreat, causing injury or harm, the consequences are more destructive, resulting to huge losses,” he said. Therefore, it is important to follow non violent approaches like creating noises, creating sounds, using beehives fences, growing crops the elephants avoid. He stressed on the use of black pepper in the field or orchards or plantation area which not only repels the elephants but also has a great market value with additional health benefits.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mhonlumi Tsopoe, Poultry Farm Manager, Veterinary Department, Wokha spoke on animal husbandry as an alternate farming system. She spoke on the different aspects of rearing animals, market value, health value and upliftment of economy through the system. She stressed on the importance of poultry, piggery and cattle rearing. Further, it was highlighted that meat demand in the district is very high, yet production meets only half of the requirement. Hence, taking up animal husbandry at a large scale may be a better option for the people in view of the present situation while ensuring adequate supply to our needs, she added.
Mhomo Murry, Fishery Officer, spoke on the importance of integrated farming system, a system where one can obtain maximum benefit from different components. Integrated farming system has a great advantage since the system incorporates agricultural crops, animal husbandry, fishery etc in a particular area, Murry said. He added that one should take proper planning based on resources and threats which will ensure success of the system and a sustainable future.
A press release from DAO, Wokha, C Peter Yanthan further informed that leaders and farmers present interacted with the officials and discussed on what best can one do to make the elephants retreat since people are facing imminent danger as the elephants approach closer causing mass destruction to the fields.
Dr. Chumben Murry encouraged the farmers to focus on the wide aspects of alternate farming system as a solution to the threats as well as follow practices that are within their ability to avoid the elephants.
