BHOJPUR: Farmers in Bhojpur have started turning to turmeric cultivation as an alternative after monkeys repeatedly damaged their crops. With corn, millet, rice, fruits, and other crops increasingly being destroyed by monkeys, local farmers have begun cultivating turmeric, which is less vulnerable to the animals.
Turmeric cultivation is expanding in low-lying areas and locations near forests, particularly in places where monkey attacks on crops are more severe, said Nawaraj Phuyal, a farmer from Bhojpur Municipality-5, Bokhim. According to him, turmeric is emerging as a relatively safe and reliable source of income for farmers affected by monkey-related crop damage.
“Protecting crops such as corn and millet from monkeys has become increasingly difficult,” Phuyal said. “Turmeric has become a better option because monkeys do not eat its rhizomes. The practice of cultivating turmeric has recently started increasing in areas where farmers are struggling with monkey attacks.”
Farmers are also earning a good income from turmeric cultivation. Maiyanani Neupane, another farmer from Bhojpur Municipality-5, said the locally produced turmeric is readily sold in the market. According to Neupane, turmeric and kuruwa are currently being sold for Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kilogram in the local market.
Farmers are encouraged by the growing demand and the absence of major marketing problems. The destruction of crops by groups of monkeys in fields, particularly those located near forests, has been a longstanding problem.
Local farmer Bhim Prasad Neupane said monkeys frequently destroy crops planted in fields, but turmeric has proven to be a safer alternative because it grows underground and is not preferred by monkeys. He said turmeric is increasingly becoming an alternative crop in areas affected by monkey infestations.
Farmers’ interest in turmeric cultivation has also grown because the crop requires relatively low investment and less labour, has medicinal properties, and can be stored for an extended period.
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