Kalchini Farmers' 'Masterstroke': Mustard Cultivation Turns Elephant-Ravaged Fields into Goldmine!

• Farmers in Mendabari, Kalchini, abandoned rice cultivation due to severe elephant depredation.
• They adopted mustard cultivation, a crop not consumed by elephants, ensuring safety from wildlife attacks.
• This strategic shift has led to a significant increase in farming activity in forest-adjacent areas of Kalchini block.
• Farmers, including Jayanta Rabha, report substantial benefits and relief from constant elephant threats.
• Mustard cultivation has expanded from one bigha to approximately 2800 hectares across Kalchini block.

Why It Matters: Mustard cultivation has transformed Kalchini's elephant-affected fields into profitable ventures for farmers.