Scenario in Uttarakhand Hills:
Monkeys and jungle pigs have become a significant threat to agriculture and horticulture in Uttarakhand, causing extensive damage to crop and affecting the livelihoods of farmers. Monkeys, known for their intelligence and agility, raid farms in groups, destroying fruits, vegetables, and grains. They often target apple orchards, wheat fields, and vegetable farms, leaving farmers struggling to protect their produce. Due to their adaptability and increasing population, they have moved closer to human settlements in search of food, making the problem worse. The lack of natural predators and the availability of easy food sources have further encouraged their aggressive foraging behaviour.
Similarly, jungle pigs wreak havoc on agricultural fields by uprooting crops and feeding on tubers, cereals, and fruits. They are particularly destructive because they dig up fields in search of food, damaging not only the crops but also the soil structure. Farmers have reported significant losses in maize, potato, and paddy cultivation due to these wild animals. Traditional methods like fencing and scare tactics often prove ineffective against them. The rising menace of both monkeys and jungle pigs has led to economic distress for farmers, prompting the need for sustainable solutions such as wildlife management programs, community-driven protection measures, and government intervention to mitigate losses.
HPS Approach:
The Highland People Society (HPS) has taken a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation by initiating the plantation of trees such as Reetha, Aamla, Dalchini, and Harar in Uttarakhand. These trees have been carefully chosen because their fruits and products are not typically destroyed by monkeys and jungle pigs, which have become a major threat to traditional farming in the region. By promoting the cultivation of these trees, the society aims to provide farmers with an alternative source of income while ensuring their crops remain safe from wildlife destruction. Additionally, these trees contribute to afforestation, improving soil health, water retention, and overall ecological balance in the hilly terrain.
The products derived from these trees hold high commercial and medicinal value. Reetha (soapnut) is widely used as a natural cleanser, Aamla (Indian gooseberry) is a rich source of Vitamin C with multiple health benefits, Dalchini (cinnamon) is a prized spice with medicinal properties, and Harar (Terminalia chebula) is an essential ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. These trees offer long-term economic benefits to farmers as their produce can be processed and sold in herbal, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. By focusing on the cultivation of such valuable plants, the Highland People Society is not only protecting local farmers from wildlife-related losses but also promoting sustainable agroforestry practices that align with the natural ecosystem of Uttarakhand.
This initiative also holds great potential for boosting rural livelihoods and encouraging community participation in environmental conservation. By involving local farmers and self-help groups, the society is fostering a collective approach toward sustainable agriculture. The project can also serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges from wildlife interference. Furthermore, as these trees require minimal maintenance and can thrive in the natural hilly landscape, they offer a practical and long-term solution for economic growth and ecological stability. Through such innovative approaches, Highland People Society is paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for Uttarakhand’s farming communities.
Your support can transform lives and landscapes.
Let’s make Uttarakhand a shining example of sustainable development and community resilience.
Donate and Save Tax: HPS 80G Registration No: AADTH2660QF20251
- Sponsor a Tree Plantation – ₹500 per sapling
- Support a Family’s Poultry Unit – ₹100,000 per family
- Fund a Medicinal Plant Training Program – ₹20,000
- Dedicate a garden to your loved one’s name – 2,50,000/-
Please Transfer at:
Highland People Society (HPS)
PNB Account Number: 5188102100001261
IFSC Code: PUNB0518810