Monkey-Plagued, Droughty Lowland: Aloe Vera or Prickly Pear for Profit

A remote 2,000–3,000 m² lowland (far from home, unattended) suffers summer drought and monkey raids at harvest. Apple trees died. Owner seeks a profitable, low-maintenance crop.

Constraints

• No irrigation, no caretaker.
• Monkeys eat ripe fruit.
• Must generate income.

Candidate Crops

1. Aloe vera: Drought-tolerant, self-propagating, high-value gel market. Monkeys avoid the bitter sap. Secure a buyer before planting.
2. Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia): Thorns deter monkeys. Pads (nopales) are edible, marketable. Spineless varieties exist for easier harvest. Very low water need.

Both are perennial, low-input, and monkey-resistant. Test a small plot first to confirm market access.