Farmers' Body Criticizes Forest Minister's Wildlife Sterilization Proposal

The Federation of State Farmers’ Associations has strongly condemned a proposal by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to sterilize select wildlife species as a measure to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. During a press conference held in Mysuru, Federation President Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj labeled the minister's suggestion as unscientific and ineffective. Bhagyaraj accused the government of issuing irresponsible and negligent statements that mislead the public, arguing that these remarks serve to distract from the administration's actual failure to manage escalating tensions between farmers and wild animals effectively. The farmers' body emphasized that the current approach lacks scientific backing and fails to address the root causes of the conflict. This confrontation highlights the growing frustration among agricultural communities regarding wildlife encroachment and the perceived inadequacy of government interventions. The incident underscores the complex challenges faced by policymakers in balancing conservation efforts with the livelihood security of farmers in regions prone to human-animal interactions.