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The latest challenge facing the country is the damage caused to agricultural crops by invading animals which has left the populace at a loss to counter.

Agriculture has long been the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, providing food security, employment, and substantial contributions to the nation’s GDP.

Crop damage due to animal activity is widespread, varying based on geography, crop type, and the species responsible. The dry-zone districts—Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Monaragala—are among the hardest hit, with paddy fields, banana plantations, and vegetable farms suffering the most. 

The financial impact of animal-induced crop losses is severe, particularly for smallholder farmers who lack the resources to recover from repeated setbacks. Many farmers are forced into debt after losing entire seasons’ worth of produce, which in turn contributes to the rural-to-urban migration trend. The economic instability fuelled by these losses exacerbates poverty and threatens national food security.

Moreover, the escalating human-wildlife conflict has led to desperate measures, including the illegal culling of problem species. Elephants and peafowls, once revered in Sri Lankan culture, are increasingly viewed as adversaries. The breakdown of traditional conservation ethics poses a serious threat to biodiversity.

Agricultural damage caused by wildlife has long been a pressing issue in Sri Lanka. A 2023 survey conducted by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) estimated that animals destroy crops worth Rs. 17 to 20 billion annually. Additionally, over 31,000 metric tons of vegetables and fruits are lost each year, with monkeys alone responsible for the destruction of over 200 million coconuts. These staggering figures highlight the financial toll of wildlife interference in farming operations, necessitating effective interventions to mitigate losses.

As part of the process to curb this inroad into agricultural production the Government scheduled a rapid five-minute islandwide survey or census for yesterday targeting four animal species—monkeys, peacocks, skunks, and squirrels—identified as significant contributors to agricultural crop damage. This unprecedented initiative aimed to gather data on the populations of these species to inform strategies for mitigating their impact on agriculture.

As part of the initiative, farmers had been asked to take five minutes to count these animals on their properties which information would be fed into strategies which would be worked out to counter this menace.

The primary objective of this census has been to facilitate the obtaining of an estimate of the number of these crop-damaging animals. Although it is a given that this census will not give as accurate information as a Department of Census and Statistics Population census, still it can provide baseline data that can help to inform strategies designed to tackle this problem.

The five-minute duration of the census has been a focal point of criticism. Skeptics argue that such a brief period is insufficient for accurately counting animal populations, especially species that are mobile and often elusive. Concerns have been raised about the reliability of the data collected under these constraints, questioning the validity of any subsequent policy decisions based on this information.

Proponents of the census however contend that, despite its brevity, the initiative serves as a preliminary step toward understanding the scope of the problem. The rapid assessment was designed to involve a broad segment of the population, including residents, Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Niladharis, and Agricultural Research Officers, to maximise coverage and data collection within the limited timeframe. This approach is also aimed at raising awareness and fostering community engagement in addressing the issue of crop damage by wildlife. Furthermore, supporters of the initiative argue that the data obtained, even if not exhaustive, can provide valuable insights and serve as a foundation for more comprehensive studies and targeted interventions in the future.

Despite the criticisms, proponents of the initiative argue that the census is a necessary first step in understanding the extent of wildlife-related crop damage. Given the logistical challenges of conducting a comprehensive nationwide survey, a rapid assessment was deemed the most feasible option

The Sri Lankan elephant which remains at the center of human-wildlife conflict is however understandably not part of the five minute census since the data related to these animals are more readily available. The strategies to counter these elephants have to necessarily to be different to those adopted to curb the animals that are part of yesterday’s census.

Moreover, the escalating human-wildlife conflict has led to desperate measures, including the illegal culling of problem species. Elephants and peafowls, once revered in Sri Lankan culture, are increasingly viewed as adversaries. The breakdown of traditional conservation ethics poses a serious threat to biodiversity.

The addressing of the issues relating to destruction of agricultural production has a multi faceted impact on rural society. It adversely affects the economy of the rural poor and can push them further to the brink of poverty and can further widen the urban rural divide. While the necessary steps are implemented care also has to be taken to ensure that the rich bio diversity that the country is famous for has to be preserved. (javidyusuf@yahoo.com)