This story is from September 27, 2021

Karnataka forest minister’s idea of acquiring farmland on forest fringes opposed by many

Forest minister Umesh Katti expressed the idea of acquiring agriculture land near forest areas, claiming that farmers are unable to cultivate them due to regular raids by wild animals, in the assembly recently. The statement enraged farmers, who demanded that the government take measures to prevent wild animals from straying into farmland, instead of acquiring the land.
Karnataka forest minister’s idea of acquiring farmland on forest fringes opposed by many
Farmers from forest fringes say the minister’s statement indicates the government’s inability to stop wild animals from straying into villages
MYSURU: Forest minister Umesh Katti expressed the idea of acquiring agriculture land near forest areas, claiming that farmers are unable to cultivate them due to regular raids by wild animals, in the assembly recently. The statement enraged farmers, who demanded that the government take measures to prevent wild animals from straying into farmland, instead of acquiring the land.
The forest minister made the statement after Gundlupet BJP MLA C S Niranjan Kumar raised the issue in the assembly, stating that farmers who have land close to the tiger reserve and other forest areas, are facing problems from wild animals.
The farmers are unable to cultivate due to regular raids by animals and are facing problems in selling their land, he said.
“The farmers want the forest department to buy their land, and provide compensation, so that they can buy land in other places,” he said during the assembly session.
Reacting to the issue, minister Katti said that he will discuss it with the deputy commissioner and forest officials, and take a decision to acquire the land from farmers, which are in the fringes of forests.
However, the minister’s statement did not go down well with farmers. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) Gundlupet unit president Mahadevappa told TOI that there is a conspiracy by the government to acquire farmland near forests.
“Why is the government interested in acquiring agricultural land near forests? Why is the government not taking initiatives to take action against the illegal resorts and homestays which have come up close to forests, and are destroying them? Wild animals are entering the villages due to these animals,” he said. He demanded that the government take measures to prevent wild animals from straying into farms, instead of acquiring agricultural land.

Farmer leader BN Shashikumar from HD Kote, the taluk which is attached to Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, told TOI that there is no logic in the department buying farmland. “If the department wants to help farmers, then they should increase the barricades at the forest border, and ensure availability of food and water for wild animals inside the forest. Wild animals will not come out of the forest then,” he said.
Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers Association president Kuruburu Shanthakumar too felt that acquiring agricultural land near forests is illegal. “Instead of acquiring land after giving meagre compensation, the department must clear resorts which disturb wild animals. It must stop constructing guest houses inside the forest, and develop ponds and grow grass and fruit-bearing trees which provide sufficient food for animals. The government should stop troubling people living near the forest peacefully for centuries,” he said.
Wildlife Conservation Foundation founder and former Mysuru honorary wildlife warden Rajkumar Devaraje Urs said farmers should have land to earn their livelihood. “The compensation provided by the department to acquire farmland is not sufficient for farmers to buy alternative land far from the forest. If farmers have been unable to cultivate crops for many years, and if they are offered a commercial rate for their land from the forest department, then farmers can sell their land and buy alternative land to earn a livelihood,” he said.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA