Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Keralam to Double Compensation for Wildlife Deaths, Crop Losses
Keralam says it will give more money to people affected by wildlife attacks.
Families of people who die and farmers whose crops are damaged will receive higher compensation.
Each destroyed coconut will qualify for Rs 15.
Each damaged cocoa plant will qualify for Rs 30.
The government says payments for crop losses should reach farmers faster.
Several government departments will work together to reduce conflicts between people and animals.
Defence systems will be added in 55 high-conflict panchayats.
The government also wants to support eco-tourism and crops that wildlife is less likely to damage.
Keralam will double compensation for deaths and crop losses caused by wildlife attacks.
The revised rates include Rs 15 for each wildlife-destroyed coconut and Rs 30 for each damaged cocoa plant.
The government plans coordinated action by the Forest, Agriculture and Revenue departments to address human-wildlife conflict.
Fifty-five priority panchayats will receive multi-layered defence systems in high-conflict areas.
Officials also proposed eco-tourism income opportunities and promotion of wildlife-resistant crops such as high-curcumin turmeric.
- Who
- Keralam Minister Shibu Baby John announced the decision, with Agriculture Minister T Siddique presiding over the event.
- What
- The government will double compensation for wildlife-related deaths and crop losses and introduce broader measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
- When
- The announcement was made on Tuesday; the report is dated September 29.
- Where
- The announcement was made in Kozhikode, Keralam, at a state-level farmer-safety conclave.
- Why
- The measures aim to protect farmers, compensate losses, prevent payment delays and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
- Coconut compensation
- Rs 15 for each coconut destroyed by wildlife, including monkeys.
- Cocoa compensation
- Rs 30 for each cocoa plant damaged by wildlife.
- Priority areas
- 55 panchayats identified for multi-layered defence systems.
- Government strategy
- Containment, mitigation and compensation.
- Land acquisition
- Eligible compensation will be provided for land acquired under Ecologically Sensitive Zones or Ecologically Fragile Land measures.
- Additional farmer income
- A pilot project will link homestays and backpacking with eco-tourism near forest areas.
- Alternative crops
- The government plans to promote less vulnerable crops, including high-curcumin turmeric.
