Device developed to prevent crop damage by wild animals

Tandur: Scientists of the Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University and a private organisation, Via Life Sciences, Bengaluru, have jointly developed a device, ‘Bio Eco-Stic’, which saves farmers’ crops from attacks by wild animals. A pioneering effort, it is being hailed as the first of its kind in the country.

A team of scientists, headed by Dr Sudhakar of ANGRAU, Dr. Vasudeva Rao, CEO, and Dr. Mahesh of the Bengaluru firm, developed the device costing `23,000, which works on solar energy and prevents crop damage by tigers, lions, wild pigs and stray dogs. Dr. Sudhakar said here on Tuesday that the cost of the device could be reduced if the government extended subsidy. By using it, farmers could stop putting up fences or digging of small ditches around their fields, or firing crackers or tying colourful saris, to scare wild pigs from damaging their crops.

While describing the device a boon to farmers, he said it would not cause any harm to endangered species of wild pigs, as causing danger to their lives would constitute an offence.

It would effectively put a check on the animals from causing any crop damage.