In a bid to address the increasing damage caused to crops by wildlife, the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Disna Ratnasinghe, has announced a special five-minute census to be held on the 15th of this month.
This initiative will focus on assessing the populations of monkeys, peacocks, and skunks, which have been significantly impacting agricultural activities across the country.
The census will aim to provide a rough estimate of the wildlife numbers, comparing it to how one might count the animals in their own garden within a brief period. "The goal is not to have a perfectly accurate count, but to gain a general understanding of the numbers and trends," she said.
The census will be conducted with the assistance of Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Niladharis, and Agricultural Research Officers, ensuring a widespread effort and higher accuracy in capturing the data. These local officials will play a crucial role in gathering information from rural areas where crop damage is most prevalent.
Following the completion of the census, authorities will map the collected data to guide future decisions and actions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of these animals on agriculture. The government has emphasized the importance of this initiative in protecting crops and supporting farmers who have been severely impacted by wildlife activity.
Farmers and local communities are hopeful that this measure will lead to more effective solutions to safeguard their livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
