In Maharashtra, tiger attacks caused 86 deaths in 2021 and 105 in 2022. Farmers in Uttarakhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat also face heavy losses. The struggle for land continues to threaten both wildlife and agricultural livelihoods.
SR Ayan founded Katidhan to help farmers mitigate wildlife-related losses. The startup focuses on harmless technology to deter animals. Hailing from Bengaluru, Ayan is a robotics engineer who worked on building consumer robots.
Ayan realised the depth of human-wildlife conflict while working in the city. He empathised with farmers losing significant portions of their crops. The startup aims to offer solutions that protect both crops and wildlife.
Katidhan’s products focus on altering animal behaviour rather than causing physical harm. These innovative methods provide an alternative to harmful practices like electric fencing.
Katidhan offers two main deterrent technologies: Parabraksh and Kaapikat. Both products are tailored to keep animals away from farmland, using non-invasive methods that respect wildlife.
Parabraksh: The solar-powered solution Parabraksh is a solar-powered auto light designed to deter wild animals. It flashes in various patterns at night, mimicking the presence of other animals. This innovative solution has shown significant effectiveness against wildlife.