Human-animal conflict in India has escalated significantly, with considerable losses reported. Between 2018 and 2020, 1,401 humans and 301 elephants lost their lives due to such encounters. Farmers near forest edges bear the brunt of these conflicts. hit by the gardening bug as a young boy, thanks to the time he spent tending to their home garden with his mother in Mangaluru.

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.

Katidhan gained significant recognition by appearing on Shark Tank Season 3. The startup secured a deal worth Rs 1.5 crore.This exposure has further propelled its mission to reduce human-animal conflicts.

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.

Kaapikat: The bioplastic scare system Kaapikat uses motion sensors to detect animals and plays sounds to scare them away. This product specifically targets monkeys, using tailored approaches for effectiveness. Farmers are encouraged to test the product before making larger purchases.

Katidhan offers customised deterrent systems combining light and sound. These solutions cater to the unique behaviours of different wildlife species, ensuring flexibility to meet specific farmer needs effectively.

Initial challenges included farmer scepticism regarding non-invasive methods. Demonstrations and partnerships helped build trust in the technology. Pilot projects were conducted to showcase effectiveness and educate farmers.

Suresh Majhi, a farmer from Odisha, experienced increased income after using Parabraksh. He reported an additional Rs 80,000 in earnings due to reduced crop loss. Such success stories highlight the positive impact of Katidhan’s solutions.

Katidhan stands as a beacon of innovation in addressing human-animal conflict. Their humane solutions offer hope for farmers facing wildlife challenges, paving the way for a sustainable future in agriculture and conservation.