Bhojpur, August 18
Farmers in Bhojpur district are facing growing difficulties due to increasing monkey attacks that have damaged crops and fruits throughout the year.
Farmers say it has become extremely difficult to protect crops once troops of monkeys enter maize fields. The animals destroy plants and consume harvested crops within a short period, causing significant losses.
Areas near forests and settlements far from human habitation have been particularly affected by the problem.
Kumar Raut, a resident of Bhojpur Municipality-4, said authorities need to find a long-term solution to control the growing monkey population.
“Monkeys destroy crops cultivated through months of hard work. We have to stay in the fields to chase them away,” Raut said, questioning why government agencies have failed to address farmers’ concerns.
The problem is not limited to maize fields. Farmers say vegetables and fruits grown in gardens are also being destroyed. Many families have been forced to build temporary shelters in their fields and assign two to three family members daily to guard against monkey attacks.
Chief of the Division Forest Office, Bhojpur, Khudrus Minya, said 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.
The continued crop damage has created both economic and social challenges for farming communities. Some farmers have even considered leaving their settlements due to repeated losses.
Farmers have urged local governments and concerned agencies to coordinate and develop a long-term strategy to control the monkey menace, reduce crop damage and protect agricultural livelihoods.
