Chitwan, Nov. 24 -- For years, Laxmi Lama of Kholaghari in Chitwan struggled to grow beans and other vegetables on her small plot. Monkeys repeatedly raided the fields, leaving her with no choice but to abandon cultivation. Many of her neighbours faced the same fate.

But things have changed.

"After hearing that monkeys do not touch turmeric, I began cultivating it," said Lama, who has now joined a women's cooperative to expand her new enterprise.

With improved seeds and training this year, her crop looks promising. "In the beginning, I didn't know much, so the harvest was modest. But this time I've had training. I learned how to apply fertiliser and select good seeds. The crop looks good. We'll dig up the turmeric in February-March, an...