Wild boar menace grows due to shortage of licensed shooters in Kozhikode district

The coastal district of Kozhikode in Kerala has seen a sharp rise in incidents involving wild boars entering agricultural fields, leading to loss of crops such as coconut, banana and paddy. Farmers describe the animals as aggressive and difficult to deter, with some reporting injuries to laborers who attempted to chase them away. The growing menace has prompted village heads to seek assistance from the state wildlife department, which traditionally relies on licensed shooters to control the population.

Grama panchayat leaders explain that the process of appointing licensed shooters is hampered by a shortage of qualified personnel willing to work in remote areas. When a shooter is available, the council must allocate funds to cover travel, equipment and daily wages, but many panchayats lack the necessary budget. As a result, requests for shooters can remain pending for weeks, leaving farms exposed to repeated raids. The financial strain is compounded by the fact that the state budget for wildlife management has not been increased in recent years.

The situation matters to Indian readers because agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood for a large portion of the population, and wildlife conflicts can affect food security and rural incomes. Experts suggest that a coordinated approach involving community training, better funding mechanisms and the use of non‑lethal deterrents could reduce dependence on shooters. Policy makers are being urged to review the allocation of resources to ensure that farmers receive timely protection against animal damage.