Due to the temporary break from normal agricultural activities because of Covid-19 lockdown, farmers in Tamil Nadu are utilizing their time in an innovative preparatory work. The electric fences powered by eco-friendly, non polluting solar panels are being set up in various parts of the state under Solar Fence Farmland Protection Programme.
- The unique Solar Fence Farmland Protection Programme is being implemented under the Central Agriculture Improvement Scheme.
- Since many of the districts in the state, including Trichy, Theni, Coimbatore etc have the foothills of the Western Ghats as one of their boundaries, agricultural lands in these areas are always at a risk of attack from animals – especially elephants. Hence, electric fences are being set up.
- Under the Central Agriculture Improvement Scheme, 50 per cent of the cost of constructing the electric fence, including setting up of the power generating solar panels, will be provided as subsidy to farmers. A maximum limit of 2.18 lakh rupees has been fixed for availing subsidy.
Source: AIR
