According to people in Phu Nhieu 2 village, Binh Tan Phu commune, Binh Son district, since December 13, a group of monkeys with a number of dozens of them have appeared and destroyed many corn fields of people in Phu Nhieu 2 village.
According to Mr. Tran Dung (63 years old), a farmer in Binh Tan Phu commune, early in the morning, when he came to check his field, he was surprised to witness a troop of about 60 monkeys destroying his corn field.
“They broke many corn plants, ate all the kernels, leaving behind a scene of devastation. More than two-thirds of my corn field, which was about to be harvested, was destroyed,” said Mr. Dung.
This is not the first time that people in Binh Tan Phu commune have encountered wild monkeys encroaching on agricultural production areas. In recent times, due to loss of natural habitat and lack of food sources, monkeys have migrated to areas near residential areas, causing much damage to people's crops. In addition to corn fields, monkeys also destroy areas growing cassava and cassava, making agricultural production difficult.
Many households decided to harvest early to prevent the monkeys from continuing to destroy. Ms. Vo Thi Hanh (60 years old) said that now the only way is to harvest early to avoid further destruction by the monkeys. Although harvesting young corn cannot be sold at a high price, if not harvesting, the monkeys will destroy everything, which is considered a total loss.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc - Vice Chairman of Binh Tan Phu Commune People's Committee said that the locality had heard information from local people about the situation of monkeys spreading into the fields and destroying crops. The monkeys move continuously, so it is difficult to count the number, but according to reports, the number of monkeys is estimated at 30-40. Currently, the authorities are instructing local people to apply manual measures to chase away the monkeys to protect crops, while not causing harm to the monkeys.
