National Census on Crop-Damaging Wild Animals Begins

A crucial national census on wild animals causing damage to agricultural crops is scheduled to take place tomorrow, March 15, 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation has emphasized the importance of public participation in this census, which aims to collect vital data for the country’s future agricultural development. Mr. D.P. Vikramasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the significance of this census and the role that public involvement will play in its success.

The Importance of Accurate Data on Crop-Damaging Wild Animals:

In his statement to the media, Mr. Vikramasinghe pointed out that, although there have been reports of damage to Sri Lankan agriculture caused by wild animals for a long time, a proper evaluation and accurate assessment of these damages had not been conducted until now. He emphasized that this census would play a pivotal role in addressing this gap, as it is designed to provide a comprehensive and scientifically grounded understanding of the extent of the problem. The involvement of the general public is critical in this process, as their firsthand knowledge and observations can contribute significantly to the accuracy of the data collected.

Government’s Role in Conducting the Census:

The Secretary also noted that the government machinery is fully mobilized to carry out the census across the nation. From divisional secretaries to village officers, various government officials will be involved in gathering data at the grassroots level. Key personnel, including agricultural development officers, farming research assistants, and Grama Niladharis (village officers), will play an essential role in ensuring that the census is carried out smoothly and effectively.

Support from District and Provincial Authorities:

Mr. Vikramasinghe further explained that district agricultural directors would oversee the implementation of the census in each district, with specialized teams deployed for this purpose. Provincial directors and agriculture consultants will also provide crucial support in coordinating and guiding the census teams. This comprehensive effort ensures that data collection is thorough and accurate across the entire country.

Public Participation Expected to Be High:

Highlighting the national importance of the census, Mr. Vikramasinghe stressed that the ministry expects a high level of public participation. The census will focus on accurately collecting data on the damages caused by wild animals, including elephants, wild boars, monkeys, leopards, and other species. This data will be used to formulate policies and actions aimed at minimizing the damage these animals cause to agricultural crops.

Data Collection at the Grassroots Level:

The census will be conducted simultaneously across all districts, with data collection expected to take place at the village level. This grassroots-level involvement is crucial for obtaining localized and precise information. The Ministry of Agriculture has also launched a comprehensive media campaign to raise awareness and encourage maximum public involvement. Through these efforts, the ministry aims to ensure that the census reflects the real scale of the damage and provides a solid foundation for addressing the issues.

Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict:

One of the main objectives of the census is to gather accurate statistics on the damage caused by human-wildlife conflict, particularly the elephant-human conflict. The ministry aims to develop more effective, scientific, and practical solutions for mitigating such conflicts, based on the data collected. The census will also gather information on other wildlife, such as wild boars, monkeys, and leopards, which are known to damage crops, and contribute to the development of strategies for managing these issues.

Developing Effective Management Strategies:

According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Agriculture, the data collected from this census will be vital in shaping the country’s approach to wildlife management, especially in relation to crop damage and compensation mechanisms. The findings will be crucial in developing more effective solutions for managing wild animal populations and reducing the harm they cause to crops, while balancing conservation efforts.

Encouraging Active Participation from Farmers and Organizations:

Mr. Vikramasinghe has called upon all farmers and farming organizations to actively participate in the census, as their input will be essential in ensuring that the data is as accurate and comprehensive as possible. He emphasized that this initiative would directly contribute to strengthening the rural economy by mitigating the impact of wild animals on agricultural productivity.