Kerala Monkeys to be trained to pick coconuts for traders
Monkeys in Kerala are to be trained to pick coconuts because local palm tree climbers refuse to take the risk for low wages.
The state government are considering opening a training school to train simians, who are some of the best tree climbers, to do the jobs
The number of palm climbers has declined in recent years as the lower caste men who have traditionally taken on the job have moved to undertake better paid roles.
This moved has caused the coconut industry to decline, resulting in the government offering a one million rupee prize (approximately £12,000) in 2009 to the first inventor to create a ‘coconut-picking machine.’
The monkeys could be fully trained to climbed and pick coconuts within four months, according to the state’s Coconut Development Board and Agriculture
Officials told the Deccan Chronicle that trainers would develop a close bond with the monkeys by using kind words and encouragement.
“It is like the training that’s given to wild elephants when they become experts in picking logs,” he said.
