India, June 4 -- Farmers and orchardists in Himachal Pradesh say crop losses from wild animals now exceed damage caused by natural disasters in many parts of the state.

Monkeys, wild boars, nilgai, bears, peacocks and parrots are damaging crops and orchards, forcing farmers to guard fields or leave land fallow.

Studies have linked wildlife attacks to declining cropped area, shifting crop choices and annual losses running into thousands of crores.

Farmer groups are calling for scientific wildlife management, better compensation and support for crop protection under schemes such as MGNREGA.

Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh is heavily dependent on weather, with most farmers relying on timely rainfall and favourable temperatures for a good...