In a quiet hillside village of Arghakhanchi, a farmer’s decision to install CCTV cameras in his maize field has stunned locals and offered a glimpse into how modern technology is transforming traditional agriculture.

Pitambar Bhusal, a resident of Kimdanda in ward 8 of Sandhikharka Municipality, took an unconventional step to defend his ripening maize and mangoes from monkey invasions: he set up three CCTV cameras across his field. The system sends real-time alerts to his mobile phone and laptop whenever animals or intruders enter the area.

“Guarding the fields from dawn to dusk wasn’t enough,” Bhusal said. “Now, as soon as the camera detects movement, my phone beeps like an alarm. I rush out shouting and scare them off.”

Traditionally, farmers in the region have relied on scare tactics—slingshots, loud noises, and even constant watch duties—to keep monkeys at bay. Yet these methods often fall short, particularly during peak harvest. Bhusal’s approach has changed the game.

His field is not just planted with maize. It also boasts 50 mango trees that have been fruiting for four years, along with vegetables such as beans, gourds, cucumbers, and pumpkins. This season alone, he sold 50 quintals of mangoes in the local Sandhikharka market, crediting the CCTV setup for protecting the produce.

“Wild animals, birds, and even pests trigger the camera. I get a notification and see exactly what’s happening,” Bhusal explained. “It’s like having a reliable security guard.”

Previously, the whole family had to take shifts near the field with sticks in hand. Now, they can focus on household chores and other farming work without constant worry. The cameras, mounted on bamboo poles in the centre of the field, even function at night—detecting movement and flashing lights to deter intruders.

Wildlife conflict has been rising in the area, particularly with monkeys and wild boars damaging maize and fruit crops. Bhusal has fenced his field to stop boars, but monkeys often leap from trees into the field, undeterred by physical barriers.

The CCTV system, Bhusal believes, is just the beginning. Drawing on his years abroad in Dubai, Qatar, and Malaysia, and inspired by YouTube videos, he plans to scale up his agribusiness using more technology.

“I see my future in agriculture,” he said. “I’ve left the idea of going abroad behind. I’m planning to expand mango cultivation to hundreds of trees. Soon, we’ll be irrigating with drones and spraying pesticides from the sky.”

Currently, Bhusal and his extended family work together on their one-bigha farm. Alongside crops, he raises goats and chickens and plans to start a buffalo farm for milk production.

Locals, still clinging to traditional methods, now watch in amazement as Bhusal monitors his field remotely while they chase monkeys with slings and stones. “Technology is the new watchman,” he smiled. “And it never gets tired.”