The Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy is being implemented to address porcupine-induced damage to saffron crops in Pampore and adjoining areas, with field evidence confirming active presence of the species in the region.
This information was given by Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, while replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Legislator Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi. The Minister said that habitat conditions such as caves, crevices, hilly terrain and overgrown private lands provide favorable shelter for porcupines near saffron-growing areas.
To mitigate the issue, the Government has proposed a series of measures, including clearance of caves, bushes and undergrowth in coordination with the Revenue Department and Panchayati Raj Institutions. He added that these measures include installation of deep-set mesh barriers (up to 1.5 metres underground) around vulnerable fields; protection of orchard trees using aluminum wrapping and reflective coatings; plantation of naturally repellent species such as iris, wormwood and wild yam; use of organic repellents and olfactory deterrents like naphthalene; and deployment of motion-activated lighting and sound systems.
The Minister further informed that the Agriculture Department in collaboration with the Saffron Research Station, Dusoo, Pampore, is documenting the extent of damage to develop long-term scientific management strategies. He added that a dedicated Man-Animal Conflict Control Room has been established at Khrew, along with regular night patrolling, installation of capture cages for live trapping and awareness campaigns for farmers.
Addressing concerns regarding monkey intrusion in agricultural fields at Wahab Sahib, Pampore, the Minister said that while monkeys are currently not listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, awareness initiatives are being undertaken and firecrackers are also being distributed to farmers as a deterrent.
He added that a coordinated, time-bound action plan involving the Agriculture, Revenue and Wildlife Departments, along with local communities, is being formulated to address the issue through field protection, habitat management and long-term population control.