Solar and High-Density Polyethylene Net Fencing for Eco-friendly management of Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in Assam. Mitigation against Monkey Damage

Abstract

Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) intrusion causes substantial crop losses in several farming areas of Assam. The present study evaluated the management of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in two agro-climatic zones of Assam from 2022-23 to 2024-25. Agri-Solar and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) net fencing were installed at four locations, and crop damage and yield were assessed under fenced and unfenced conditions. In Biswanath district (2022-23), solar fencing increased crop productivity several-fold across oilseeds, pulses, cereals and tuber crops. In Sivasagar district, solar and HDPE net fencing prevented rhesus monkey damage to vegetable and fruit crops, with no damage recorded under protected conditions compared with up to 90% damage in unprotected fields. Highly susceptible crops, including papaya, brinjal and guava, showed the greatest avoidable losses, indicating the importance of crop-specific protection measures for minimising yield loss and improving economic returns. In Lakhimpur district during 2023-24, solar fencing significantly increased mean crop yield to 2.01 kg/m², compared with 0.17 kg/m² in control plots, with an avoidable yield loss of 91.54%. HDPE net fencing increased mean crop yield to 2.30 kg/m², compared with 0.23 kg/m² in unprotected plots. The knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) analysis indicated that 80-95% of respondents across three villages in Biswanath district were aware of technologies such as solar fencing and had positive attitudes towards adopting measures against monkey intrusion. Adoption of management practices gradually increased, particularly in Gorehagi and Nepalibari, indicating reduced hesitation among farmers. Further training and technological interventions are needed to support farming communities.