Monkey menace leaves Bhojpur farmers struggling with crop losses

Farmers in Nepal's Bhojpur district are struggling with escalating crop damage caused by monkey incursions. The animals are destroying crops like maize, vegetables, and fruits throughout the year, creating immense difficulties for the agricultural community. Farmers report that troops of monkeys can devastate fields within a short period, leading to substantial economic losses.

The problem is particularly acute in areas near forests and those further from human settlements. Residents like Kumar Raut of Bhojpur Municipality-4 describe the frustration of seeing months of hard work destroyed. Many families are forced to build temporary shelters in their fields and dedicate multiple family members to daily guarding duties. Raut questioned the government's failure to address these persistent concerns.

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Monkeys destroy crops cultivated through months of hard work. We have to stay in the fields to chase them away.

The Division Forest Office in Bhojpur, led by Khudrus Minya, has provided devices to deter monkeys, but acknowledged these offer only temporary relief. Farmers are urging local governments and relevant agencies to collaborate on developing sustainable, long-term strategies. The ongoing menace is creating not only economic hardship but also social challenges, with some farmers contemplating abandoning their homes due to repeated losses.

The situation highlights a critical need for effective wildlife management that balances human agricultural needs with the protection of biodiversity. Without coordinated action, the livelihoods of Bhojpur's farming communities remain under threat.

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local governments and farmers have been provided devices to chase away monkeys. However, he acknowledged that such measures only offer temporary relief and that more effective long-term solutions are needed.