Sat Aug 30 19:18:41 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala is launching a new state mission on August 31, 2025, in Kozhikode to revitalize agriculture and address the escalating human-wildlife conflict. The event will involve signing MoUs with various institutions, including the Kerala Forest Research Institute and several colleges, to support projects aimed at mitigating the conflict. The initiatives include the launch of Primary Response Teams, a smart fencing project, an ecotourism mobile app, plans for monkey population control, the Aralam butterfly village project, and the second phase of ‘Gothrabheri’, which incorporates tribal knowledge. A snake rescuer will be honored, and the event will be attended by government ministers and forest department officers.
**News Article:**
**Kerala CM to Launch Major Initiative Addressing Human-Wildlife Conflict, Revitalize Agriculture**
**Kozhikode, India – August 31, 2025** – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to unveil a comprehensive mission aimed at revitalizing the state’s agricultural sector while simultaneously tackling the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict. The launch will take place today in Kozhikode.
The new initiative will include the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions such as the Kerala Forest Research Institute, the Spices Board, the Kerala Forest Development Corporation, the Indian Forest Service, MES Mampad College and Cochin College. These partnerships will facilitate the implementation of special projects designed to mitigate the conflict between humans and wild animals, a major concern for rural farmers facing crop loss and safety issues.
Key components of the mission include the launch of Primary Response Teams (PRTs), which will act as first responders in human-animal conflicts, coordinating rescue activities with the Forest Department. A smart fencing project will also be announced to protect vulnerable areas.
Other initiatives to be unveiled include plans for the scientific rehabilitation and population control of native monkeys, the inauguration of the Aralam butterfly village project, and the second phase of ‘Gothrabheri’, a program that integrates traditional knowledge from tribal communities to mitigate human-animal conflict.
Vidhya Raju, a senior snake rescuer, will be recognized for her contributions, coinciding with the release of the state’s updated manual for snake rescue and release. The event will be attended by Forest Minister A. K. Saseendran, Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohamed Riyas, and other high-ranking officials.
The initiative underscores the Kerala government’s commitment to balancing agricultural development with the preservation of its natural environment and the safety of its citizens.