Kochi | Every election, agrarian issues dominate the political discourse in Kerala, and this time it is no different, with farmers flagging persistent concerns ranging from human-wildlife conflict in the high ranges to paddy procurement issues in Palakkad and Kuttanad.
Farmers say many of their long-standing issues remain unresolved, particularly the increasing number of wild-animal crop raids that have caused severe distress in high-altitude regions.
Mathew George, who owns eight acres of land near Sultan Bathery and cultivates coffee, pepper and tapioca, said wildlife attacks have significantly affected his livelihood.
"Monkeys come in large numbers and destroy our coffee. With stringent wildlife laws, we cannot take preventive measures. Almost 20–30 per cent of the crop is lost due to wild animal raids," he told PTI.
George added that living near forest areas has become increasingly unsafe.
"The movement of wild animals into human settlements has become regular. This year alone, five tigers have been reported near residential areas, causing severe distress for residents. Other than promises during elections, no concrete steps are being taken to protect farmers," he alleged.
The Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA), which represents farmers in high-range areas, has submitted a 15-point charter of demands to political parties ahead of the elections, seeking concrete action once a new government assumes power.
KIFA president Alex Ozhukayil told PTI that the organisation would support political fronts that genuinely address farmers' concerns.
"We have conveyed to political parties that whoever promises to resolve farmers' issues will get our support. We have not declared support to any front, though several have held discussions with us," Ozhukayil said.
Among its key demands, KIFA has called for a policy decision not to take action against farmers who kill or injure wild animals in self-defence or to protect their crops.
To address the rising human-wildlife conflict, the organisation has proposed 100-metre-wide "vista clearance' along forest and revenue boundaries, removing trees and undergrowth, and constructing hanging fences and trenches.
"Last year alone, 115 people died due to wild animal attacks, and a majority of them were farmers or agricultural workers. Due to fear, several farmers are giving up farming and selling their land," Ozhukayil said.
KIFA has also demanded enhanced compensation for victims of wildlife attacks, proposing Rs 25 lakh for deaths and adequate compensation for injuries and crop loss, along with the establishment of a tribunal similar to Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) for speedy redressal.
A 62-year-old award-winning farmer allegedly died by suicide due to mounting debt following crop loss and low value for agricultural produce at Cherupuzha in Kasaragod.
On pricing, KIFA demanded a support price of Rs 250 per kg for rubber, Rs 70 per kg for coconut (de-husked), and Rs 35 per kg for paddy to ensure stable farm incomes.
"The previous (LDF) government had promised to raise rubber prices to Rs 250. Though it was recently increased to Rs 200, the promise is yet to be fulfilled. With agricultural expenses skyrocketing, the government must fix prices that help farmers sustain themselves," Ozhukayil said.
Paddy cultivation, a major agricultural activity in Kerala, particularly in Palakkad and Kuttanad regions, is also facing multiple challenges.
M K Dileep, secretary of the Upper Kuttanad Karshika Vikasana Samiti, said that while government initiatives such as fixing the paddy price at Rs 30 per kg and providing financial support for harvesting are welcome, several long-term issues remain.
"Some mill operators reduce up to Rs 10–15 kg per 100 kg during procurement, which significantly affects farmers' income. Farmers are willing to accept a reduction of 4–5 kg," he told PTI.
He added that farmers increasingly rely on harvesting machines brought in from other states, arranged through agents, which has escalated costs.
"Earlier, it took less than an hour to harvest one acre of land. Now it takes almost double the time. We want agriculture department engineers to inspect these machines and ensure efficiency, and agents arranging them should be monitored," he said.
Dileep also highlighted fertilizer shortages and declining subsidies as major concerns.
"Last year, there was a severe shortage of urea. The government should intervene to ensure adequate supply and proper subsidies," he said.
He further called for the dredging of water bodies in Kuttanad to improve water flow and reduce flooding, which frequently damages crops.
"The water flow in Kuttanad is controlled by the Thanneermukkom Bund, constructed to prevent saline water intrusion. Once the bund is closed, water contamination increases, affecting yield. An alternative river-linking project is needed to maintain water quality," he suggested.
Agriculture Minister P Prasad, the CPI candidate from Cherthala constituency in Alappuzha district, said the LDF government had taken significant steps to support farmers and promote agriculture.
"One of the major initiatives is the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernisation (KERA) project, with a fund of over Rs 2,000 crore. It aims to promote agriculture and ensure farmers' income. We have also cleared pending dues before the end of the tenure," Prasad said.
He noted that although paddy procurement does not come under the agriculture department, it has been carried out without major delays.
"Funds have been allocated for crop loss due to wild animal attacks by the agriculture department, in addition to support from other departments," he said.
He expressed confidence that the LDF government would return to power, citing its initiatives in the agriculture sector.
"Our next plan is to ensure a steady income for farmers. The details are in the pipeline and will be revealed soon," he added.
