In the countryside of India, a subtle struggle unfolds between wildlife and the local farmers trying to earn a living. At first glance, the Nilgai, often seen grazing peacefully in the fields, seems like a gentle part of India’s wildlife. But for farmers in North India, Nilgai menace has become an unexpected challenge, turning the calm of rural life into a constant battle.
As forests shrink and natural habitats disappear, Nilgais are increasingly venturing into farmlands in search of food. This Nilgai menace leads them to damage crops such as wheat, gram, and mustard—vital sources of income for many farmers. With no natural predators to keep their population in check, Nilgais have become a significant problem in states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
This illustrated story was created to share their struggle—a tale of hard work, loss, and resilience. It reflects the farmers’ quiet determination to protect their fields while also highlighting the broader issue of wildlife losing its natural habitat.
This illustrated story was created to share their struggle—a tale of hard work, loss, and resilience.
‘The farmers’ pain is evident when they talk about their fields,’ says Simit Bhagat, Founder of Simit Bhagat Studios. ‘Through these illustrations, we wanted to honour their voices and highlight how deeply they care for their land.’
Some farmers, unable to afford electric fences or repellents, face overwhelming losses year after year. Others have resorted to extreme measures, as seen in Bihar, where Nilgais have been declared pests and culled. But such measures feel heavy and incomplete—a reminder that true solutions must address the root of the Nilgai menace.
This story doesn’t claim to have all the answers. But it aims to start conversations about how to balance the needs of farmers with the rights of wildlife.
At Simit Bhagat Studios, we specialise in creating illustrated stories about air pollution, sustainability, and other social impact issues. If you need to tell a story, we’ll help you craft a visual narrative that resonates and drives change.
