Special unit to address crop damage by toque monkeys and other animals

•  Initiative aims to implement multiple strategies for sustainable control

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation has established a special unit to address the issue of harmful animal populations causing significant damage to crops. This initiative aims to implement multiple strategies for sustainable control.   

A special discussion on the matter was held under the chairmanship of Minister K. D. Lalkantha. The discussion focused on identifying sustainable measures to control toque monkeys and other animals that cause extensive damage to key crops, such as coconuts and fruits.  

 The Ministry outlined plans to implement an immediate and actionable work plan.   Representatives from about 15 institutions participated in the discussion including the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Wildlife Conservation Department, the Agriculture Department, the Agricultural Research Institute, the Sri Lanka Army, and the Civil Defence Force.