DHANKUTA, JULY 9 Growing attacks by monkeys and other wild animals are forcing farmers in Dhankuta to abandon cultivation, raising concerns over food shortages as increasing areas of farmland remain uncultivated. In Mahang of Dhankuta Municipality-9, where farming is the primary source of livelihood for around 50 families, much of the agricultural land has been left barren because crops are repeatedly destroyed by monkeys, porcupines, wild boars and other wildlife. Local resident Rabin Ghimire said some families have even been forced to leave the village after repeated crop losses made farming unsustainable. While those with land in the district headquarters or the Tarai have migrated, many others without alternatives continue to struggle in the village. Residents say protecting even small vegetable plots has become a full-time task. 'We have to take turns guarding our kitchen gardens for almost 14 hours a day to keep monkeys away,' said local farmer Gita Adhikari. The problem is not confined to Mahang. Farmers say settlements bordering forests across all seven local levels in Dhankuta have been facing increasing wildlife attacks every year. Monkey populations, in particular, have become a major threat to agriculture and are accelerating rural depopulation. Netra Thapa of Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality-3 said his village has seen a steady exodus despite improvements in roads, electricity and drinking water. 'Wild animals have made farming nearly impossible. Half a dozen families have already left, and only three households now remain with no option but to stay,' he said. Neighbouring Terhathum district is facing a similar situation. Earlier this year, Laligurans Municipality even declared a two-day public holiday to organise a community campaign to drive monkeys away from settlements after the problem intensified. Mayor Arjun Mawohang of Laligurans Municipality said the issue could not be resolved without a comprehensive policy and wildlife management programme from the federal government. Besides monkeys, farmers say deer, rabbits, pheasants, porcupines and wild boars are also causing extensive damage to crops. While monkeys destroy fields during the day, other wild animals raid farms at night, forcing villagers to patrol their fields around the clock. With vegetables, grains and fruit crops repeatedly destroyed, farmers warn that both their livelihoods and local food production are under growing threat. They have urged local, provincial and federal governments to introduce effective wildlife control measures and support affected farming communities before more villages are abandoned.