‘Solution to crop destruction is control of overpopulation of animals scientifically’

By Ifham Nizam

Senior Environmentalist/Activist Nayanaka Ranwella yesterday said that animals were a vital component in increasing the forest cover in the country and arming farmers was not a solution to the problem of crop destruction.

Ranwella, addressing the media at the CR & FC said: “Animals such as monkeys and wild boar are seeking other habitats due to rampant deforestation.”

The environmental activist said the authorities had to adopt solutions based on scientific and modern technology to control animal overpopulation, while also taking steps to restore their habitats.

He also said that providing shotguns to farmers also increased the risk posed to human lives in addition to animals.

A joint Cabinet paper by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Wildlife was presented to the last Cabinet meeting and was likely it would be approved with a minor amendment, activists claimed.