Monkeys drive farmers to turn to turmeric
Summary
Farmers in Bishnupaduka and nearby wards of Barahakshetra Municipality are abandoning maize and pulse farming as monkey attacks devastate crops. Many have shifted to turmeric, amriso and bananas, while some fields now lie fallow.
Key Points
- Monkey damage has forced farmers in Bishnupaduka and nearby areas of Sunsari to stop growing maize, pulses and other traditional crops.
- Many locals are shifting to turmeric, amriso and bananas because these crops suffer less damage from monkeys.
- Some farmers have left land uncultivated for years, saying it is too difficult to protect crops as labor also shifts away for work and education.
- Farmers say turmeric can provide decent income, but production remains limited by fertilizer shortages and ongoing monkey attacks.
