Coffee Board plans scientific study to mitigate elephant conflict

Chikkamagaluru: The Coffee Board of India, primarily known for coffee research, has decided to go a step further by addressing the growing threat posed by wild elephants to the coffee-growing community.The board has proposed a scientific study to develop preventive measures to mitigate human-elephant conflict in coffee plantations across Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan districts. For the initiative to succeed, the board is seeking cooperation from the state govt and the forest department. It also plans to approach neighbouring Kerala to seek support for preparing a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations.As part of the initiative, the Coffee Board is set to launch a dedicated task force under the leadership of Surendra Varma, a senior scientist specialising in Asian elephant research and conservation, who has over two decades of experience working with elephants. Paul Mathew will also play a key role in leading the study.The programme is the brainchild of Coffee Board chairman MJ Dinesh, himself a coffee planter, who is well aware of the hardships faced by planters and plantation labourers due to frequent elephant incursions.Scientists, coffee planters' associations, forest department officials and growers will work together on the project. "We require two to three officials from the forest department and are hopeful that forest minister Eshwar B Khandre will respond positively," Dinesh said, adding that a formal requisition has already been sent and the board is awaiting a response.The Coffee Board will depute its own staff to conduct the study in a scientific manner. The research will involve digital monitoring, field visits and other scientific methods. The board also plans to engage two students as part of the research team.Dinesh said the proposal has been discussed with senior forest department officials, including principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Kumar Pushkar. "We have held multiple rounds of discussions with scientists and growers and have received a positive response," he said.The study aims to closely examine elephant behaviour, conflict patterns, methods used to drive elephants back into forest areas, and the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies.At present, there is limited clarity on the specific roles of the state govt, the Union govt and the forest department in addressing the issue. The proposed study is expected to clearly define the responsibilities of these institutions while also recognising the role of the public, coffee planters, associations and, most importantly, plantation labourers — who are often the worst affected.In recent years, several lives have been lost in elephant attacks in coffee-growing regions, while herds camping inside plantations have caused extensive damage and financial losses. Through this initiative, the Coffee Board aims to support growers and restore confidence among the coffee community.