Kerala fixes ₹15 for each coconut lost to wildlife and brings cocoa into the crop damage compensation scheme

2 October 2026

The Kerala government has doubled the compensation paid to farmers for crop damage caused by wildlife attacks.
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said cocoa has been newly included in the list of crops eligible for compensation.
Under the revised scheme, ₹15 will be paid for each coconut that wild animals, including monkeys, carry away or destroy.
The decision followed discussions the Agriculture department held with the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister.
Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said the government plans to address the rising human-wildlife conflict in three ways and will pay compensation in a time-bound manner.
For mitigation, the forest areas of the State have been classified into 14 landscapes, covering 55 panchayats, where defensive measures will be carried out.
Marketing support will be promoted for crops that wild animals do not destroy.
A pilot project called 'Homestay Back Packing' will be started to link farmers living near forests to eco-tourism for additional income.