New Delhi, May 16 -- Across several villages of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, which lies in the beautiful Dooars region, elephant depredation is a major issue, keeping farmers on their toes. They are forced to guard their crops, especially paddy, from makeshift structures made of bamboo and wood.

Paddy is the dominant crop of West Bengal, favoured by fertile soil and adequate water availability. Its cultural significance in the state is also huge. The harvest festival of Nabanna, celebrated during November-December, is popular among paddy farmers.

"Generally, farmers of my village Nodhabari and others nearby are used to paddy cultivation, but a few among us are now experimenting with tea. This is because elephants have a taste fo...