The increased movement of wild boars across much of Tamil Nadu is causing significant crop damage, leading to considerable losses for farmers. Wild boars invade and damage a variety of crops, including rice, maize, millets, pulses, groundnut, sunflower, sugarcane, banana, brinjal, and coconut saplings.
To control their movement, farmers have tried thorn fencing, electric fencing, tying colored cloths around fields, using loudspeakers at night, and various chemical repellents, yet the results have not been entirely effective.
In response to this challenge, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s Agricultural Research Station at Virinjipuram, Vellore, has developed a natural wild boar repellent through extensive research.
Research Findings and Effectiveness:
In initial trials on crops like rice, finger millet, sunflower, papaya, sugarcane, banana, and groundnut, the repellent was effective in reducing crop damage caused by wild boars. The effectiveness of the repellent lasts between 45 to 90 days, preventing wild boars from entering fields.
Application Guidelines:
- One acre requires 500 ml of this repellent. Place three-foot-high sticks at intervals of ten feet around the field. These sticks should be linked with twine at a height of 1 to 1.5 feet. Both sides of the field perimeter should be kept weed-free for at least two feet.
- For one acre, you’ll need 100 small cans, each measuring 4 cm in height and 3.5 cm in width. Make four holes near the base of each can, then pour approximately 5 ml of the repellent into each can and seal them.
- Tie the cans with string, fastening them securely to the perimeter fencing. Ensure that the cans hang vertically without tilting.
- The slow release of the repellent’s scent from the cans deters wild boars from approaching for up to three months.
How to Purchase:
Farmers interested in this natural repellent can contact the Professor and Head of the Agricultural Research Station, Virinjipuram, by phone at 0416-2900242, in person, or by email at arsvrm@tnau.ac.in.
The price of one liter of the repellent is ₹590. Farmers unable to visit in person can pay ₹700 via online banking to have the repellent delivered by mail. Bank details are as follows:
Account Name: Professor and Head, Agricultural Research Station, Virinjipuram
Account Number: 11339961527
Bank: State Bank of India, Poigai
IFSC Code: SBIN0007126
Proper Usage Instructions:
The repellent may settle at the bottom of the container over time. To ensure proper mixing, cut open the 1-liter or half-liter container with a knife, pour the contents into a small bucket, and mix thoroughly without adding water. Then, fill each small can with 5 ml of the repellent, seal, and attach them as directed. It is essential to keep weeds around the field perimeter below one foot in height.
Dr. A. Gopi Krishnan, Dr. A. Thirumurugan, and Dr. P. Thilakam, Agricultural Research Station, Virinjipuram, Vellore District.
