Elephants continue to destroy farmlands in Wokha

Human–elephant conflict in Wokha district is not a new issue. For years, incidents of crop raids, destruction of farmhouses, and damage to plantations have been regularly reported in newspapers and on social media. However, in recent years, the situation has escalated, leaving farmers anxious and increasingly reluctant to cultivate their fields.
The latest incident was reported from Yikhum village, where elephants destroyed the farmlands, farmhouses and plantations belonging to Ajamo Odyuo and several other farmers. The damage has once again left cultivators counting heavy losses.
In one of the busiest agricultural periods for farmers- the season for jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation, traditionally one of the busiest agricultural periods for farmers, many farmers in Wokha have reduced cultivation this year due to constant elephant movement.
Several villagers say farming now feels like “growing crops for the elephants’ because as soon as crops begin to bear fruit, elephants raid the fields.
Wokha district is considered the epicentre of human–elephant conflict in Nagaland. According to the 2017 All India Synchronized Elephant Estimation, out of 446 elephants recorded in the state at the time, around 200 were found in Wokha district alone. Locals believe the number has since increased. This is evident from frequent sightings of elephant footprints across villages, the footprints of calves, and even placenta reportedly found recently in Aree Old Village , clear signs of breeding within the district.
The district comprises four constituencies — 37, 38, 39 and 40 — and all are affected. An estimated at least 89 villages are impacted by recurring elephant movement.
With the expansion of human settlements and agricultural land, elephant habitats in Wokha have reportedly shrunk from over 150 sq. km to less than 50 sq. km. Large-scale plantations and farming activities have reduced forest cover and traditional elephant corridors.
An adult elephant requires roughly 50 kilograms of food daily. With natural food sources declining, cultivated fields have become easy feeding grounds. As elephants increasingly rely on farmlands for sustenance, tension between humans and wildlife has intensified.
Orenmomo Odyuo from Englan Village stated that elephants do not remain in one location for more than two days, as they finish available crops quickly before moving on. He recalled that in 2018, nearly 20–25 farmers in the village suffered extensive damage to fields and farmhouses. However, many did not apply for compensation due to traditional beliefs that accepting relief might invite repeated incidents.
The GB of Englan Village Nrao Odyuo shared that farming activities have significantly decreased over the years as farmers are hesitant to visit distant fields due to fear of sudden encounters with elephants. Many households now depend largely on government-supplied rice for survival.
Some farmers are gradually shifting from cash crops to rubber plantations, hoping it may reduce losses, though it is not a complete solution.
The conflict has also turned fatal. In August 2025, a man lost his life following an elephant attack. Since 2018, official records indicate 15 elephant deaths and six human fatalities due to the ongoing conflict.
Government response
The concerned department has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. During a high-level consultative meeting held on June 6, 2025 at Hammock Resort Wokha, minister of environment, forest and climate change of Nagaland C.L John stressed the urgency of addressing the human-elephant conflict. He noted that manpower shortage remains a major challenge, though additional forest guards are expected to be deployed following recruitment.
Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan stated that Wokha hosts the highest elephant population in Nagaland, exceeding the land’s carrying capacity.
The wildlife warden Dimapur, Tokaho Kinimi stated that ‘A State Action Plan’ to mitigate human–elephant conflict has been drafted and submitted for approval. The proposed plan aims to provide long-term solutions, particularly in high-conflict areas such as the Doyang Valley.
As farming declines and fear grows, villagers continue to ask what lies ahead. For many in Wokha, agriculture is not just a livelihood but a way of life. Without timely intervention and balanced conservation measures, both human survival and wildlife protection remain at risk.
The situation calls for urgent, practical and community-based solutions before the conflict deepens further.