GUWAHATI: In a bid to offer alternative crop solutions to address the burgeoning human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam’s Tinsukia district, a training workshop on King Chilli (Bhot Jolokia) and Assam Lemon (Kaji Nemu) plantations, along with crop infestation management was organised in Sadiya recently.
The initiative aimed at diversifying livelihoods impacted by the escalating HEC, focused on Bhot Jolokia, a chili pepper native to Northeast and Kaji Nemu, the state fruit of Assam.
The training workshop, conducted in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra Tinsukia, saw the participation of 19 villagers from four nearby villages.
Dr Sarodee Boruah, a subject matter expert, imparted knowledge focusing mainly on pest control management at the do.
According to Aaranyak, a leading conservation organisation, the HEC in Tinsukia often arises due to the shrinkage of elephant habitats, resulting in damage to crops and property, and posing risks to both humans and elephants.
“Multifaceted efforts are required to mitigate this conflict and ensure coexistence through measures like elephant corridors, habitat protection and restoration, awareness programmes, implementation of alternative crops, seasonal solar fence to protect crops, solar fences to protect people’s lives and properties etc.,” a statement issued by Aaranyak reads.
Aaranyak, actively involved in mitigating the HEC in Northeast, has been implementing various measures to safeguard conflict-affected people, their crops, and property, while also conserving threatened Asian elephants in the area.
The organisation, in collaboration with the British Asian Trust, Darwin Initiative and local villagers, extended partial support with lemon and chilli saplings, conducting pre-post evaluations to assess the knowledge gained by the trainees through questionnaires.
Trainees also received hands-on demonstrations on the plantation process, along with insights into harvesting seasons and market prospects, encouraging them to enhance their income levels.
The workshop facilitators from Aaranyak included Bidisha Borah, Tonmoy Priya Gogoi, Debajit Gogoi, and Jiaur Rahman, who ensured the successful execution of the training session.
