Belagavi: Residents of Chikkabagewadi village in Bailhongal taluk have expressed deep concern over the growing monkey menace in the village and its surrounding areas. Villagers said the monkey population has increased significantly in recent days, causing widespread inconvenience and damage. Monkeys frequently enter houses and agricultural fields, damaging property and crops. Fearing losses, several families have stopped cultivating gardens and orchards in the village. The monkeys are also reportedly running across rooftops, damaging roof tiles and structures. As a result, residents say they are living in constant fear. Farmer Rudragouda Patil said monkeys are destroying various crops, including vegetables and soybeans. He noted that farmers are suffering financial losses as crops cultivated with considerable effort are being ruined within a short time. The villagers have brought the issue to the attention of the concerned authorities and urged the forest department and other officials to visit the village and take immediate measures to control the monkey menace. They have also demanded a long-term solution to provide permanent relief from the growing problem.Applications invited for Krishi Pandit AwardBelagavi: The Agriculture Commissionerate has invited online applications from farmers in Belagavi district for the Krishi Pandit Award and the Monsoon Crop Competition (Krishi Award) for 2026-27. The Krishi Pandit Award is presented to farmers who have adopted innovative agricultural practices, achieved notable success, and demonstrated creativity in the field of agriculture. Farmers can submit applications online separately under the male and female categories. The last date for submitting applications is Aug 31. After submitting the application online, applicants must submit a hard copy along with the required documents to the Farmers’ Welfare Centre under their jurisdiction. A district-level verification team will visit the applicants’ farms and conduct inspections in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. The joint director of agriculture has urged eligible farmers to apply for the award and competition. For more information, farmers may contact the nearest Farmer Contact Centre or the office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture.
