RAMECHHAP, JULY 7 Farmers in several villages of Ramechhap have appealed for government intervention as increasing numbers of monkeys continue to destroy crops and disrupt daily life. Residents of Pakarbas, Bhirpani, Manthali, Salu, Chisapani and nearby areas say red monkeys entering from nearby forests have been damaging maize, vegetables and other crops for the past three years. Local resident Hari Dhungel said the monkeys not only eat crops but also destroy fields and enter houses to damage stored grain and other household items. Villagers say the problem has become so severe that entire families are forced to spend their mornings guarding fields and homes, particularly in settlements with terraced farmland where crops are scattered over large areas. Some residents also claim children have been kept home from school to help protect crops during peak periods of monkey activity. Farmers have urged the government to introduce effective measures to control the growing monkey population and protect agricultural production in the affected villages.