Farmers turn to rubber cultivation to keep elephants and monkeys at bay
Summary
Farmers in Jhapa are shifting to rubber cultivation to avoid crop damage by elephants and monkeys, finding it a more reliable and profitable agricultural option.
Key Points
- Farmers in Jhapa have shifted from paddy and maize to rubber cultivation due to crop losses caused by elephants and monkeys.
- Rubber cultivation provides significant income with less damage from wildlife compared to traditional grains.
- Rubber farming has expanded over 500 hectares in eastern Nepal districts including Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Udayapur, and Ilam.
- Market access is strong, with local traders purchasing rubber latex directly from farmers and supplying it to industrial plants.
