Opposing the rejuvenation camp for elephants at Mettupalayam, farmers from 23 villages staged a demonstration on Wednesday at Karamadai, 20 km from the camp venue .

The farmers claimed that due to the presence of elephants in the camp, wild elephants from nearby jungles stray into their lands and destroy crops, resulting in heavy loss to them, police said.

The 48-day rejuvenation camp is beginning on the banks of Bhavani river in Thekkampatti on Thursday, in which 33 elephants from various temples and mutts of Tamil Nadu are expected to participate. The agitating farmers appealed to the Government either to shift the venue of the camp or conduct it in respective temples.