Bahundangi rolls out steps against elephant terror

By Bishnu Prasad Pokhrel,Damak, Apr. 2: "Farmers' hand, ward's support," a campaign against wild elephants and their terror, has been initiated in Bahundangi, a village in Ward No. 4 of Mechinagar Municipality of Jhapa district.

Bahundangi is the most affected settlement of the district where wild elephants often pay a visit and leave after destroying stored foods and damaging property.

"Under the campaign, we will be insuring the crops planted by farmers and will cultivate crops that elephants dislike," said Arjun Karki, the ward chairman. 

Community farming system has also been launched in the area where people create an elephant-friendly group and work in a larger area of field together. Farmers have also been collecting Rs. 5,000 each to buy necessary tool and equipment.

"The ward office will provide further Rs. 150,000 as economic support to such groups," said Karki.

According to Devi Prasad Acharya, chairman of an elephant-friendly farmers' group, they have planted potatoes in the first phase. 

"We will now prioritise cash crops. Moreover, we will select the ones that elephants do not eat. We have suffered millions in damages over the years, so we will also be insuring our yields," said Acharya.

Acharya informed that elephants dislike millet, mustard, red gram, ginger, turmeric, and yam among others. 

"We are conducting research to identify suitable crops for us," said Acharya.

Locals are happier that the municipality will be insuring the crops of the farmers.

"A recently held municipal council meeting had decided to pay for the insurance of the yields of the farmers if destroyed by elephants," said Karki.