Kerala doubles compensation for wildlife attack deaths, crop losses

The Kerala government has decided to double compensation for deaths and crop losses caused by wildlife attacks, Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John said on Tuesday, announcing a wider strategy to address growing human-wildlife conflict in the state.

The decision followed discussions with Chief Minister V D Satheesan, who also holds the Finance portfolio, and the Agriculture Minister. John announced the decision while inaugurating a state-level conclave on “Farmer Safety — Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict”, jointly organised by the Forest and Agriculture departments at Thiruvambady in Kozhikode.

Compensation doubled

John said compensation currently provided for loss of life and crop damage caused by wildlife would be doubled. The government would also take steps to ensure that farmers did not face prolonged delays in receiving assistance for damaged crops.

Under the revised rates, compensation for each coconut destroyed by wild animals, including monkeys, will be Rs 15, while farmers will receive Rs 30 for every cocoa plant damaged.

The government said the revised compensation framework was intended to provide greater financial support to families and farmers affected by recurring wildlife incursions, particularly in settlements and agricultural areas bordering forests.

Joint response planned

The minister said human-wildlife conflict could no longer be treated as an issue for the Forest Department alone. The government intends to involve the Agriculture and Revenue departments in planning and implementing mitigation measures.

Officials said greater coordination between departments would help address both immediate threats to residents and the economic consequences faced by farmers when wildlife destroys crops.

The approach is expected to include preventive interventions alongside faster compensation, with particular attention to areas that repeatedly report crop destruction and encounters with wild animals.

Focus on farmers

Human-wildlife conflict has emerged as a major concern in several forest-fringe areas of Kerala, where farmers have reported crop damage and threats to life from wild animals.

The government already provides compensation for deaths, injuries, crop losses, cattle losses and damage to property and houses caused by wildlife. The latest decision substantially increases the financial support available for deaths and agricultural losses.

The minister said the government would work towards a more coordinated mechanism to protect farmers while addressing the broader challenge of human-wildlife conflict.