Maharashtra Farmers Abandon Crops Amid Escalating Wildlife Conflicts

According to a report released on October 3, 2025, Maharashtra's farmers are facing a growing crisis as they struggle to coexist with destructive wildlife. The study, titled "Human-Wildlife Conflicts: An Estimation of Net Agricultural Losses in Maharashtra," was led by a team from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE).

The findings are alarming - 54% of farmers had stopped growing at least one crop due to repeated destruction by wild animals, while 62% reduced their cultivated area. Even in regions with low forest cover, many farmers have abandoned crops altogether because of frequent wildlife attacks.

While compensation is mandated under the Right to Services Act (2015), the study found that most farmers either don't file claims or receive minimal payouts due to lengthy procedures and lack of awareness. "Farmers receive only 1-2% of their actual losses," said Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, one of the lead researchers. "The compensation system urgently needs reform."

The wild boar was identified as the most destructive species, affecting over 80% of respondents. In the Konkan region, langurs and macaques trouble nearly two-thirds of farmers, while nilgai and sambar are major threats in Marathwada and Vidarbha. Smaller animals like porcupines, gaur, leopards, and hares also cause significant localized damage.

"The issue isn't ecology versus economics - it's coexistence," said independent researcher Milind Watve. "If farmers continue to bear such losses, we risk escalating conflict and endangering both livelihoods and wildlife."

GIPE is now drafting policy recommendations based on the study, expected to be submitted to the Maharashtra government within a month.