“People residing in the vicinity of Pakke are highly-affected by wildlife crop depredation problems. During 2011-2012, wild elephants have extensively damaged agriculture crop for 100 families of poor farmers. The grain is being distributed to these families as a measure to provide them some relief,” said Tana Tapi, Divisional Forest Officer, Pakke Wildlife Division.

The grain-for-grain scheme was conceptualised by WTI to provide relief to farmers, as well as to help reduce instances of retaliations against the pachyderms, under a study funded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Launched in Pakke TR in 2005, the concept now finds mention in the ‘Gajah’ report prepared by the Elephant Task Force in 2010. Since its launch, the scheme supported by various agencies and individuals has benefited hundreds of households around Pakke TR.

“This is not compensation, but rather a ‘relief’ provided to the families affected by the loss of crops,” explains Sunil Kyarong, Regional Head – Northeast India, WTI, who was a part of the team that conceptualised grain-for-grain.

About 400 humans are killed in conflicts with wild elephants in India each year and 100 elephants killed in retaliation.

“Through this scheme, we are creating a ‘bargain’, to ensure that conflicts don’t go out of hand, as it can not only cause more casualties but also negate conservation initiatives,” Kyarong added.

The grain was distributed to the beneficiary households at an event held today in Seijosa. Present at the event were Tana Tapi, DFO, Pakke Wildlife Division, Dr PC Bhattacharjee, Executive Trustee, WTI, Atum Welly, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, JL Singh, PCCF, Wildlife & Biodiversity and CJ Mein, Parliamentary Secretary Environment & Forests.