Tiger's Cattle Spree Cripples Tobacco Harvest

A sub-adult tiger has caused significant disruption in the Eluru district of Andhra Pradesh, impacting the vital tobacco harvesting season. The tiger, believed to be from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, began killing cattle around January 22. Its presence led to a halt in agricultural activities as workers feared for their safety, creating a crucial delay in the tobacco curing process.

Farmers, including those growing FCV tobacco on large acres, are concerned about potential losses due to delayed harvesting, which affects leaf quality. Initial estimates suggest over 110 farmers may have incurred losses ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 60,000 per barn. Forest officials are monitoring the tiger's movements, with around 100 personnel involved, and a committee is deliberating on tranquilization.

This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing human-tiger interactions, with Andhra Pradesh's tiger population at 63 in 2022. While tiger attacks on humans are rare, this tiger's consistent cattle predation, averaging two heads per night, is unusual. Experts suggest tigers disperse to find new territories, food, and mates, with a functional corridor now existing between Tadoba and Papikonda National Park.