Opium-Addicted Parrots Are Destroying Poppy Crops in India
By Ryan General
Farmers in India are guarding their crops against some parrots which have apparently become addicted to the opium poppy fields.
According to the farmers of Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh, they have been incurring massive losses since the “opium-addicted” parrots started feeding on their poppy plants.
The reduced crops caused by the birds have prompted them to even reach out to the authorities but to no avail, NDTV reports.
Opium cultivator Nandkishore said district officials have yet to respond to their multiple requests.
“One poppy flower gives around 20-25 grams of opium. But a large group of parrots feed on these plants around 30-40 times a day and some even fly away with poppy pods. This affects the produce,” he was quoted as saying.
“One poppy flower gives around 20-25 grams of opium. But a large group of parrots feed on these plants around 30-40 times a day and some even fly away with poppy pods. This affects the produce,” he was quoted as saying.
Nandkishore said scattered rainfall has already impacted their farms and now the parrots have made things even worse.
“We are already suffering because of uneven rain, and now this. Nobody is listening to our problems. Who will compensate for our losses?” he asked.
As trying loudspeakers have failed to keep the birds away, the farmers are now forced to guard their fields night and day.
“We have tried making loud sounds and even use firecrackers to scare the birds. But nothing has helped,” the farmer added.
“We have tried making loud sounds and even use firecrackers to scare the birds. But nothing has helped,” the farmer added.
Featured image via YouTube / Zee News
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