Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research Institute assigned to find solution for crop damage by wild animals

The Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, the premier national institute in the field of socio-economic research relating to the agrarian sector in Sri Lanka, has been given the responsibility of finding a permanent, practical solution to prevent crop damage caused by wild animals.

President Maithripala Sirisena had instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to look into permanent measures to prevent the crop damages.

Wild animals destroy about one-third of the crop produced by farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had therefore entrusted Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute to find a solution to minimise the crop damage. All preventive measures taken so far have been unsuccessful.

At a discussion held at the Institute this morning, the Minister instructed the officers involved to look into a mechanism that will not be harmful to humans or animals.

A recent survey has revealed that crops worth Rs. 18 billion are damaged due to wildlife invasions. This amounts to around 35% of the total cultivations of the country. (Colombopage)