Jute fibre fence to ward off jumbo threat

Irangika Range

The Wild Life Department is exploring the possibility of erecting a jute fiber fence parallel and close to the electric fence currently constructed to ward off elephant encroachment into villages. Wildlife Resources Conservation Minister Gamini Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa said that elephants will not get close to the jute fiber fence because of its thorny nature.

Construction of a parallel jute fence would prevent elephants from moving into nearby villages and crop cultivations. The minister also said this would help to create income avenues for the villagers involved in jute cultivation.

“I personally visited and inspected the jute industry in China which has achieved remarkable success, ” he said. We have paid attention to obtain financial assistance and technical support from China to develop jute cultivation in Sri Lanka,” he added.

The people living in villages where the wild elephant threat abounds can commence jute cultivation as a cottage industry so that they can earn an additional income.

The jute fence would not only safeguard the electric fence but also develop direct and indirect job opportunities for the villagers,” he said.

The minister further said there was a separate corporation dealing with the jute industry in the past. But it was wound up during the previous UNP regime.