Farmers protest against rising animal attacks on crops

Hundreds of farmers, led by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), gathered at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, protesting against the increasing incidents of animal attacks on farmers and crops. The farmers — who have travelled from various parts of the country — aim to march to the Parliament and seek a meeting with Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in the next few days to discuss the issue.

Hannan Mollah, senior AIKS leader, expressed frustration over the growing menace. He said "For the past 8-10 years, wild animals have been destroying crops and harming farmers. Earlier, after cattle gave birth, we could sell them to the government for better care. But, now even the government refuses to buy them."

He added that the government’s negligence has exacerbated the problem for farmers. "We’ve been raising this problem for years in various states, but no effective action has been taken yet," Mollah said, underlining the urgency of the situation.

This protest comes a day after Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met farmer delegations to address their concerns. Criticising the meeting, Mollah said "No leader from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha or AIKS has been approached. The government is merely indulging in theatrics. We need real action, not just discussions."