In the dense forests of Nayagarh district, Odisha, an alarming illegal trade of wild boar (Barha) piglets has been flourishing. These piglets are openly sold for as little as ₹5,000 each, with prices sometimes rising to ₹7,000 due to high demand. Shockingly, this trade is happening in broad daylight, with little to no intervention from forest authorities, despite the government spending crores of rupees on wildlife protection. 
Odisha’s Secret Wild Boar Trade: How Piglets Are Sold Openly in Forests


The Hunting and Trade Process  

The wild boar piglets are primarily hunted in the forests of Daspalla, Gania, and the Mahanadi Wildlife Sanctuary—regions heavily populated by tribal communities. During May and June, local tribesmen form groups, enter the forests, and either chase away or kill adult female boars to capture their newborns. The piglets are then taken to nearby villages, where they are either raised domestically or sold.  
Key villages involved in this trade include Baisipalli, Kalasakhama, Chadeyapalli, Kujamendhi, Kulurukumpa, Banigochha, Takara, Bhogabadi, Pokharigochha, and Sakani. Since these areas are remote and heavily forested, enforcement of wildlife laws remains weak.  

Why Are Wild Boars Hunted?  

For the tribal communities in these regions, wild boar meat holds cultural significance. It is traditionally consumed during weddings and purification rituals. When raised, a single boar can weigh over 100 kilograms, providing enough meat for large gatherings. Once fully grown, these boars are either slaughtered for personal use or sold for ₹35,000–₹40,000, helping families sustain their livelihoods.  

Government Failure in Wildlife Protection  

Despite strict wildlife protection laws, the illegal trade continues unchecked. Locals claim that forest officials either turn a blind eye or are bribed into silence. The government has invested heavily in forest and wildlife conservation, yet the lack of effective patrolling and enforcement has rendered these efforts ineffective.  

The Bigger Question: Accountability 

The situation raises serious concerns:  
  • Why are forest officials not taking action?  
  • Are they being bribed to ignore these activities?  
  • When will the government implement stricter surveillance in these vulnerable zones?
If this illegal trade persists, the wild boar population in Odisha’s forests could face severe decline. Immediate action is needed to strengthen forest patrols, enforce wildlife laws, and raise awareness among tribal communities about sustainable alternatives.  

Conclusion  

The illegal trade of wild boar piglets in Odisha highlights a critical gap in wildlife protection. While tribal communities rely on this practice for cultural and economic reasons, unchecked hunting threatens ecological balance. The government must take stronger measures—without harming tribal livelihoods—to ensure that conservation efforts are not in vain. The question remains: Will authorities act before it’s too late?

Ratnakar Hota

Journalist

Ratnakar Hota is a journalist as well as an enthusiastic environmentalist and wildlife conservationist. He is also a passionate storyteller and development writer focused on rural livelihoods, tribal traditions, and sustainable practices in Odisha. With a deep interest in preserving disappearing crafts and cultures, they aim to bring grassroots voices to the forefront through impactful and human-centred narratives.