Damage to crops by wild animals: No legal issues over farmers taking action against wild animals within their own lands: Minister

Take any action that is possible

• Says damage to crops by wild animals, especially toque monkeys, has been a serious issue

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Farmers can take any action regarding damage to crops by wild animals within their cultivated lands, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Lalkantha said yesterday. “Take any action that is possible,” he said.  

He told Parliament that damage to crops by wild animals, especially toque monkeys, has been a serious issue with some even calling it “toque monkey terrorism”.  

The Minister said that the damage caused by wild animals have been an issue not only to farmers but the public as well.  

He said there are no legal issues against farmers taking any action regarding crop damages caused by wild animals within their cultivated land.  

“Take any action that is possible,” he said.  

The Minister said the Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Ministry has taken up the responsibility of finding solutions to the issues faced by farmers and that it will be resolved before long.