Tiger movement in Adilabad pushes up farm wages
The presence of tigers has caused a labour shortage, as many workers are reluctant to venture into fields due to safety concerns
HASNAPUR (KOMARAM BHEEM ASIFABAD): Farmers in Adilabad district report that tiger sightings in their localities have led to farmhands demanding higher wages for cotton picking.
Jadhav Ramesh of Hasnapur, falling under Utnoor mandal of Adilabad district, who has cultivated cotton on seven acres, said he is now paying ₹10 per kg for cotton picking instead of ₹8, following reports of tiger movement in the area. The heightened demand for farmhands has also prompted farmers to provide free transportation for agricultural labourers.
The presence of tigers has caused a labour shortage, as many workers are reluctant to venture into fields due to safety concerns. Consequently, farmers have been compelled to offer higher wages to attract workers.
Nikitha Kamble, a farmer from Hasnapur, noted that the increased tiger activity in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, especially near forest fringes, has significantly raised the demand for agricultural labourers. She added that workers are now going to the fields in groups and adopting precautionary measures while picking cotton.