FARMERS KEEP WILD BOARS AT BAY WITH LEADWORT

Yet To Be 'Proved'

- ABHILASH CHANDRAN @Kottayam

As wild boar attacks continue to escalate across the state's forest fringes, an organic solution for mitigating crop destruction is gaining traction among farmers. The Indian leadwort, scientifically known as Plumbago indica and locally referred to as 'Chethikoduveli,' has emerged as an effective deterrent, said farmers.

First introduced by settler farmers in Kannur, the plant has now expanded its reach to the high ranges of Central Travancore with local bodies and the Agriculture Department taking initiatives to promote the planting of chethikoduveli at various locations. Local bodies in Idukki such as Vazhathope and Arakkulam as well as Koottickal in Kottayam have rallied to support the farmers to use this plant as a natural barrier against wild boars.