MP Rai calls for mass monkey culling amid crop damage claims

KATHMANDU: Lawmaker Dhurbaraj Rai of the Shram Sanskriti Party has said that Nepal’s farming communities are suffering heavily due to escalating monkey attacks on crops, arguing that a drastic population control measure is needed to address the crisis.

Speaking at the Parliament building premises, Rai claimed that monkeys have been destroying fields and causing major losses to farmers, particularly in maize and cardamom plantations.

He suggested that eliminating a large number of monkeys would be necessary to restore agricultural stability.

Responding to allegations regarding the killing of around 600 monkeys, the MP said he did not personally carry out any killings but acknowledged that he had supported local communities in actions taken against the animals.

Criticising animal rights activists, Rai argued that their campaigns do not reflect the ground reality faced by farmers.

He said protests held in Kathmandu overlook the hardships in rural farming areas where crops are being repeatedly destroyed.

In his remarks, Rai controversially stated that “around 600 is not enough and nearly 600,000 monkeys should be controlled” to bring relief to farmers, adding that agricultural losses are causing severe distress among rural households.

He further expressed readiness to face any legal consequences, stating that individuals who fought for political change in the past would not be intimidated by complaints or legal pressure.

He also challenged animal welfare advocates to visit affected farming areas to understand the situation firsthand.