Farmers Plant Turmeric to Deter Elephants from Eating Crops in Uttar Pradesh

The Better India · lifestyle

In Uttar Pradesh's Terai Elephant Reserve, farmers are experimenting with planting turmeric alongside crops like paddy and sugarcane, which are highly attractive to elephants. This strategy aims to protect livelihoods by offering elephants a less appealing food source. Elephants are drawn to cultivated crops due to their high energy content, making them a preferred food over foraging in forests for extended periods. Conservationists are exploring this method to mitigate human-elephant conflict in the region, which spans over 3,000 sq km and borders Nepal.