Arghakhanchi hires 26 ‘monkey watchers’ to protect maize fields

Key Points

• The Division Forest Office in Arghakhanchi has selected 26 monkey watchers to protect maize fields from monkey raids.
• Originally, 20 watchers were to be hired but due to high demand and widespread crop damage, the number was increased to 26.
• The watchers will receive training and a monthly salary of Rs12,500, with funding provided by community forest user groups instead of a government budget.
• The initiative aims to reduce economic losses for farmers in Arghakhanchi affected by increasing monkey attacks on crops.