Wild Boar packs tear through north Kashmir's agriculture fields

Baramulla, May 5: Farmers across north Kashmir's Baramulla district face an increasingly alarming situation as wild boars destroy crops and saplings on their agricultural lands.

The invasive animals have been reported in over a dozen villages, including Rafiabad, Janbazpora, Chakloo, and Nadihal, with attacks primarily occurring during nighttime hours.

"These boars destroy the saplings in just minutes," said Abdul Majeed, a resident of Chakloo Baramulla. "We are watching this helplessly as we don't have any resources to protect our agricultural land."

Residents report that the wild boars typically attack in groups of ten or more, causing significant damage in short periods. Muhammad Shaban from Nadihal Baramulla recounted, "I saw around ten wild boars in my agricultural land, and they destroyed all the saplings across three marlas of land."

Wild boars have been spotted in north Kashmir for several years, initially in the Uri area before spreading to Kupwara and Bandipora districts. The recent surge in attacks has created widespread concern among the farming community.

"We are already struggling with unusual weather patterns. Now these wild boar attacks are an additional burden. The authorities need to contain them before our situation becomes even more dire," explained a farmer from Janbazpora Rafiabad.

Farmers from Achabal, Brandob, Chatoosa, Watergam, and other areas of Rafiabad share similar concerns about the destruction of their crops and livelihoods.

The problem extends beyond crop damage. Last year, orchardists reported wild boars destroying apple trees throughout the region. Muhammad Akram from Hajin Bandipora confirmed that wild boars had damaged several trees in his orchard.

"Over eight apple trees were crushed by wild boars in my orchard last year. Since then, the fear of such attacks remains high," Akram said.

Farmers describe the situation as dangerous and distressing, noting they have no effective means to confront or deter these animals. Many are calling on wildlife authorities to implement control measures before further damage occurs to the agricultural sector in north Kashmir.