Monkey Menace Control against Crops

The monkey menace problem in crops refers to the significant damage caused by monkeys to agricultural crops. Monkeys, being opportunistic feeders, often invade farmland and gardens, resulting in substantial losses for farmers. This problem is particularly prevalent in areas where human settlements and agricultural fields are in close proximity to forests or natural habitats of monkeys.

Monkeys are known to consume a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and even flowers. They can quickly decimate entire crops, leading to financial hardships for farmers and a decline in food production. The problem is further exacerbated when monkeys enter residential areas, causing damage to gardens, ornamental plants, and other vegetation.

The monkey menace not only affects the livelihoods of farmers but also disrupts the local economy and food security. The constant threat of crop damage forces farmers to invest additional resources in implementing preventive measures or resorting to expensive solutions to protect their crops. This ongoing battle against monkeys puts a strain on agricultural productivity and can lead to increased food prices and economic instability.

The extent of the problem varies depending on the region and the species of monkeys present. In some areas, monkey populations have grown due to deforestation, habitat loss, and encroachment on their natural habitats. As a result, conflicts between humans and monkeys have intensified, with farmers struggling to find effective and sustainable solutions to mitigate crop losses.

Efforts to address the monkey menace problem involve a combination of measures such as crop diversification, integrated farming systems, agro-forestry practices, forest plantations, and the promotion of natural predators. Additionally, techniques such as the use of plastic fences, chemical repellents, ultrasonic repellents, and modern traps are employed to deter monkeys from entering agricultural areas.

Raising awareness among farmers and the general public about the issue is also crucial. Providing education on preventive measures, promoting sustainable farming practices, and encouraging the adoption of innovative solutions can help mitigate the monkey menace and minimize its impact on crop production and rural livelihoods.

A. Suggestive Measures

Collaboration between multiple departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Forest Departments, and wildlife protection department, is essential to address the complex issue of monkey menace. Immediate relief requires urgent short-term measures, while a long-term and sustainable solution needs to be developed. Ecological solutions are crucial for achieving a balance in dealing with the problem. Integrated Farming System (IFS) approach should be adopted, which includes the following activities:

• Cultivation of crops that are not damaged by monkeys, such as ginger, turmeric, colocasia, alocasia, yam (zimikand), marigold, lime, lemon, bael, lemon grass, and lavender.
• Promotion of large-scale dairy farming, necessitating the expansion/diversification of areas for fodder cultivation, creation of fodder banks (green/dry), and establishment of grass mandis at the local level.
• Promotion of fodder cultivation along with suitable cropping systems.
• On-farm evaluation of fodder technologies to combat monkey menace.
• Integration of agroforestry into the IFS, incorporating fruit, fodder, fuel, and timber production.
• Enrichment of habitats in deep forest areas to ensure sufficient food availability, localizing monkey populations within the deep forest by cultivating natural wild fruit plants such as fig, udumbar, kainth, jamun, banyan, garnet, kokua, and mulberry.
• Implementation of technological interventions such as solar fencing, non-lethal electric fencing, monkey repellents, monkey scare guns, and laser-guided alarms around fields.
• Use of annoying and odorous substances like spreading dry fish packets around the fields.
• Maintaining a balance by introducing predators/natural enemies like langurs.
• Sterilization of monkeys.

B. Indigenous Methods

• In agricultural regions, farmers employ various methods to safeguard their fields against monkey intrusion, such as utilizing sticks and trained dogs to deter them. To protect their crops, farmers often hire laborers, but the high cost of labor is attributed to a shortage of available workers within the state. As a result, laborers from Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar are frequently recruited. However, relying solely on labor to safeguard crops does not guarantee complete protection, as human limitations arise in challenging terrains, adverse weather conditions, and during nighttime hours. Farmers resort to using techniques like crackers and gunshots to scare away monkeys and other wild animals from their fields.

• A farmer in Karnataka implemented a creative strategy to protect his field by painting his dog to resemble a tiger. This unconventional approach successfully scared away monkeys, as they tend to avoid unfamiliar species. The farmer reported no further monkey attacks in his field.

• Toy snakes: Place or hang colorful rubber snakes in vulnerable areas and regularly change their positions. This method provides temporary relief until an observant monkey discovers the truth.

• Pepper-coated vegetables: Sprinkling vegetables with pepper acts as a deterrent against monkeys, as the chemical capsaicin found in chili peppers is an effective repellent for monkeys, squirrels, and other wild animals. Additionally, farmers who cultivate chili peppers can benefit from an additional source of income.

• Smoke: Burning dung, preferably mixed with chili for enhanced effectiveness, or other smoldering materials that produce heavy smoke is another technique. Some farmers burn sticks dipped in phenyl to keep monkeys away from their fields.

• Whip rope sound/Shrill Noise: Monkeys have an aversion to shrill noises. Gather around 100 sound clips of predator animals like lions, tigers, and langurs from the internet. Edit and transfer these sounds to a pen drive. Play these sounds using an audio device powered by a mobile battery, attached to a tree, sturdy plant, or pole in the areas highly affected by monkey menace. Play the sounds for six hours each day and regularly change the files to prevent the monkeys from getting accustomed to them. This method has been practiced in Punjab. In rural areas of Jammu, farmers use a three-band tapering rope (Tratta) to create cracking sounds similar to gunshots, scaring away wild animals and birds.

• Reflective ribbons: In Varanasi, fences are constructed using reels of audiotape wrapped around bamboo stands. Reflective ribbons are also utilized as repellents.

• Using dry fish as a repellent: Some farmers hang dry fish on branches or place sealed packets with boneless dry fish pieces around their fields. Monkeys, upon opening the packets, rub their hands to get rid of the smell until it causes bleeding. They avoid entering fields where this technique is employed.

• Using chili powder rice balls: A mixture of boiled rice, crushed groundnut seeds, red chili powder, and coconut oil is placed around the field. When monkeys taste the rice balls, they experience a burning sensation on their tongues and feel thirsty, which deters them from the area. Water should not be available nearby.

• Painting a troop member: Painting one dominant male troop member with white or red color and releasing him scares away the troop as they run towards him.
• Creating buffer zones: Surrounding farms with partially cleared land areas planted with less desirable crops serves as buffer zones.
• Effigies: Erecting effigies of humans or predator species like pythons, lions, leopards, or black cats in the fields to scare away monkeys.
• Use of firecrackers: Employing firecrackers that produce loud sounds as a deterrent.
• Sound device: Innovative sound devices scientifically validated by scientists from SKUAST Jammu have been successfully utilized in villages such as Ramkot and Bhool in Kathua district. These devices cost only ten rupees.
• Monkey Trap: The trap consists of a hollowed-out coconut chained to a stake, with rice or bananas placed inside that can be grabbed through a small hole. The monkey's hand fits through the hole but cannot be retrieved due to a clenched fist. This traps the monkey, and the fear it experiences deters the monkey and its troop from returning to the area.

C. Long Term Solutions

• Crop diversification: Encouraging the cultivation of crops disliked by monkeys can help mitigate the issue in affected areas. This includes growing root crops such as ginger, turmeric, colocasia, alocasia, and yam (zimikand), as well as horticultural crops like marigold, lime, lemon, aonla, karonda, bael, and anardana. Additionally, promoting the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants such as sarpgandha, ashwagandha, brahmi, kalmegh, shatavari, tulsi, aloe vera, artimisia, lemongrass, lavender, and citronella can serve as effective deterrents. These crops not only deter monkeys but also provide an extra source of income for farmers.
• Integrated Farming System (IFS): Large-scale promotion of dairy farming can be a viable solution. This involves establishing fodder banks (green/dry) and grass mandis at the local level. Beekeeping and mushroom cultivation can also be adopted as alternative sources of income.
• Agro-forestry: Implementing agro-forestry practices can help address the monkey menace without negatively impacting the local economy. This involves managing crops, livestock, and trees. Planting screened trees and crop species disliked by monkeys, as well as adopting spice-based agro-forestry systems, can be effective. Additionally, abandoned fields can be utilized for growing plants like bamboo, eucalyptus, poplar, and willow.
• Forest plantation: Planting fruit-bearing trees preferred by monkeys in forests, their peripheries, and other protected areas/boundaries can help provide a sufficient food supply for monkeys, limiting their movement to agricultural areas and reducing crop damage.
• Expansion of fodder production: Increasing the cultivation of fodder crops throughout the year can minimize losses caused by monkey menace and enhance farm income. Measures such as promoting silage making, enriching fodder with protein, and establishing fodder mandis in all districts can support this initiative.
• Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Cultivation: Farmers in affected areas can mitigate losses by cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants that monkeys dislike, such as sarpgandha, ashwagandha, brahmi, kalmegh, shatavari, tulsi, aloe vera, artimisia, lemon grass, lavender, citronella, and geranium. These plants not only deter monkeys but also contribute to soil productivity and have an established market for their produce.
• Natural Predators: Promoting the use of natural enemies of monkeys, such as langurs, can be effective in scaring away monkey groups. Initiating controlled breeding programs for langurs in collaboration with the forest department and SKUAST-Jammu can provide trained langurs as domesticated control animals or release them in problematic areas.
• Solar-operated bioacoustics: Utilizing bio-acoustic devices that emit natural sounds of predators, distress, and alarm calls of target and related species can help deter monkeys. These devices, costing approximately Rs26,000, can be an effective tool.
• Solar Fencing: Implementing solar-powered fencing can provide a long-term solution for protecting crops from monkeys and wild animals. This type of fence electrifies with pulsating current, creating a psychological barrier for animals. The cost varies depending on the area to be fenced, but on average, it comes to around Rs396 per running meter. The fence delivers a non-lethal shock to intruders and includes an alarm system to alert people within the protected area.
• Plastic fences: Polypropylene fences or fish nets are a cost-effective and easy-to-install option for deterring monkeys from crops. They are widely accepted and comply with various regulations. They are also relatively simple to repair compared to other types of fences.
• Chemical repellents: Active substances like Anthraquinone, Butanethiol, and Methyl Anthranilate can be utilized to keep monkeys away from crops. Thimet granules mixed with sand and placed in punched polybags in the border area can repel monkeys. Chemical signals, including predatory urine, have been found to deter monkeys. The application of the animal repellent Ricinoleci acid (trade name – Neelbo) is effective for a period of 20-30 days. High concentrations of phytoestrogens found in soybeans and cluster beans can induce infertility in monkeys.

• Use of concertina wire: Concertina wire, a mesh of metal strips with sharp edges, can be employed to prevent monkeys' access to kitchen gardens and high-value horticultural plants, particularly in highly affected areas.

• Ultra Sonic Repellent: High-powered ultrasonic monkey repellents that emit special "Multiplex Modulated Sweeping Ultrasonic Sounds" can be highly effective. These ultrasonic sound waves, ranging from 10 to 65 KHz, are outside the hearing range of humans and most household pets but are effective in repelling monkeys. The waves penetrate their brain and nervous system, making them uncomfortable and prompting them to leave the area.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Researchers at the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Delhi are using AI, machine learning, and cloud computing to track monkey movements and develop a humane solution to the monkey problem. They are developing a mobile application that allows people to capture photos of monkeys, tag their location, and upload them to a database. This helps identify and locate monkeys in need of sterilization, monitor their movement, and reduce conflicts between humans and monkeys.

• Monkey scare gun: This device, powered by gas combustion, produces a loud sound that scares monkeys away from agricultural crops. It is safe for humans and monkeys and can cover a significant area. It is a durable device that can last up to 10 years.

• Modern Monkey Traps: Cost-effective modern monkey traps can be utilized to catch monkeys and relocate them to their natural habitat.

• Awareness among the masses: Widespread awareness among all stakeholders is crucial in addressing the monkey menace. The dissemination of control measures through coordination, camps, and distribution of literature in affected areas can help people adopt suitable measures based on their needs and availability. Initiating a mass campaign is necessary to raise awareness and promote effective control strategies.