Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jan 29: At the house of Narayan Bhat from Billampadavu, Vittal in the taluk, monkeys share the food along with other family members. Yes, this farmer has proved that battle with the monkeys which used to damage his farms can be won through love and friendship with the animals.

When it is time to consume food, along with family members of Narayan Bhat, some unique guests partake food. In the past, areca and coconuts grown by Narayan Bhat used to be scattered around during the whole year, half eaten by animals. But this scene has not been recurring now.

For the last several years, Narayan Bhat and a troupe of monkeys living in the forest adjacent to his plantation used to engage in friction often. While Bhat struggled to save the crops of his farm, the monkeys battled it out for food, Bhat's family realised the motive behind the war and therefore, volunteered to address the food issue that was the bone of contention for the monkeys.

They now place food for monkeys around their house. After they began to lay out food for the monkeys, they are getting result in excess of their wild expectations. The monkeys, after getting food, have not been attacking their farm. The monkeys which used to destroy 75 percent of the yield of the trees, are now happy with a couple of tender coconuts.

The monkeys which used to create problems for the family by jumping up and down the courtyard, farm and the roof of their house all time of the day, now arrive at the time the food is served, and go back after having the food. The monkeys used to stay away from humans in the past but now do not dither from accepting food from the hands of Bhat's family members, says Geetha, wife of Narayan Bhat.

Both Narayan Bhat and the monkeys have proved that where there is will, there is a way, and also love and friendship can win over anything and solve any problem.