Farmers can’t beat monkeys. They change crops instead
Summary
Farmers in Baglung face losses from monkeys damaging traditional crops, leading them to shift to Akabare chilli, ginger cultivation, and dairy farming as alternative income sources.
Key Points
- Monkeys have severely damaged maize and wheat crops in Rayadanda, Baglung, forcing farmers to seek alternative crops.
- Farmers have started cultivating Akabare chilli and ginger, which are more resistant to monkey damage, supported by local authorities and Heifer International.
- Dairy farming, especially commercial buffalo rearing, is being adopted as a safer and reliable income source due to wildlife damage to crops.
- Challenges remain in marketing ginger, though Akabare chilli generally has a ready market in the region.
