Bid to ward off wild animals Farmers switching to tobacco cultivation

In a bid to tackle the increasing damage caused by wild boars and monkeys to their crops, a group of farmers in the Kothaguda and Gangaram mandals have turned to tobacco cultivation. The farmers in villages in Gangaram mandal have collectively cultivated tobacco on 80 acres of land.
Previously, crops like maize, paddy, sorghum and red gram were frequently damaged by wild animals, but the farmers noticed that these animals do not touch the tobacco fields. This led to the expansion of tobacco cultivation. Last year, just six farmers grew tobacco, but this number has increased to 25 farmers in the current season.
The input cost of cultivating tobacco is about Rs 50,000 per acre, with yields ranging from 10 to 15 quintals per acre. The support price for tobacco this year is Rs 15,000 per quintal, making it a lucrative crop for the farmers. After harvesting, various organisations purchase the tobacco from the farmers, ensuring a good market for their produce.
Kothaguda Agriculture officials highlighted that the tobacco crop has proved to be more profitable for farmers. The Agriculture Department has also conducted an awareness programme on crop rotation and methods to protect crops from wild animals. As a result, many farmers have been encouraged to grow tobacco.
A farmer explained that wild animals, including monkeys, would not enter tobacco fields because of the strong smell of the crop. This natural deterrent has significantly reduced crop damage, leading to higher yields and increased profits for the farmers.
Yetkuri Srinivas, another farmer added that tobacco cultivation is providing farmers with substantial profits due to higher yields. The crop requires minimal maintenance—mainly removing weeds and watering the plants. If seedlings are planted in October, the crop is ready for harvest by February, further contributing to its appeal.
This shift to tobacco farming is a practical solution to the challenges posed by wild animal interference while offering farmers a more rewarding and sustainable income.