Smell-based repellent among several innovations to tackle leopard menace at agri trade fair in Pune

Subsequently, in a first, several exhibitors at the ongoing Kisan show at Moshi, who earlier offered solutions aimed at predators like nilgai, boars and others, showcased innovations to tackle the growing leopard menace.

A start-up displayed solar-powered alarm systems that emit light and sound to deter wildlife entry at night, while a few others demonstrated motion-sensor fences minimising human intervention.

Another product was a night torch with a sound button that users could press if they suspected a wild animal nearby. The button would then emit a powerful sound to scare the creature away. An AI-driven camera-trap solution that tracks animal movements in real time also drew attention for helping forest officials and farmers respond swiftly.

Awareness campaigns

Alongside these, various NGOs held awareness campaigns stressing coexistence strategies and early warning networks. Together, the stalls reflected a newly discovered unified call for a technology-driven approach to protect farmlands, forests, and, most importantly, lives.

Developed by founder Avinash Salunke, a 25-year veteran in pest management, Animal Out turned out to be one of the more popular stalls, thronged by visitors. Much of this could be due to recent procurement orders for the product from the Maharashtra Forest Department, which underscored the product’s credibility.

The Chakan Range has approved 10 litres of the repellent on December 1 for man-leopard conflict mitigation, followed by identical procurements in Junnar, Ghodegaon, Khed and Shirur.

“As leopard threats persist, herbal breakthroughs like Animal Out spotlights humane tech bridging human habitats and wild frontiers,” said its founder, Salunke.

“Our goal is to make farmers feel secure without harming wildlife,” said Om Patil, co-founder of Pune-based start-up showcasing solar-powered alarm systems at the event. “The light-and-sound devices we’ve developed automatically detect movement at night and trigger deterrents, helping farmers sleep peacefully while keeping animals at bay in an eco-friendly way.”

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune, Mahadev Mohite, confirmed that farmers across the affected regions are increasingly adopting various preventive measures, such as solar-powered lights, blinkers, nylon nets, and fencing channels, to protect their fields. “Many have also started using sound-based equipment to deter wild animal attacks,” he added.

“Preventive measures such as these certainly help deter animals from entering human territories, but they do not address population control,” said Aditya Paranjape, Wildlife Warden, Pune District Forest Department.

“Deterrents alone will not bear fruit in the long run. Effective management of leopard–human conflict requires a balanced approach combining population control, deterrent use, and scientific conflict mitigation. These methods offer only temporary relief, as wild animals are intelligent creatures that eventually recognise and adapt to deterrents,” he added.

The 35th edition of KISAN Agri Show, which opened on December 10 at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre (PEC), Moshi, is one of the country’s foremost platforms for agricultural innovation.

Spread across 30 acres, the five-day event is expected to draw thousands of farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and innovators, who will engage with over 600 exhibitors under one roof.

(Rohit Yadav is an intern with The Indian Express)