Human-wildlife conflicts are reportedly increasing across the country. Animal attacks on crops have discouraged farmers from toiling their fields and growing crops. However, in the past few months, farming has become easier for the Nanong Youth Organic Farm Group in Pema Gatshel.
The youth group has constructed solar fencing surrounding their two acres of farmland in December last year with the help of the gewog administration. They say agriculture works have become less challenging since then. The group is currently growing tomato, chilli, onion and peas.
Nanong Youth Organic Farm Group started growing vegetables and fruits on fallow land a few years ago. Ever since the group has been struggling to protect their farm from animals. They lose about half of their yield to the animal invasion.
“The fencing has protected our vegetables from domestic animals as well as from wild animals like wild boars and deer. We were able to sell most of our produce this time. Without the fencing we had to guard our field the whole day from Monkeys otherwise they destroy our vegetables,” said Tashi Tobgay, a member of Nanong Youth Organic Farm.
The Nanong Gewog Administration supported the construction of solar fencing. The youth group is planning to switch to electric fencing soon. They say the solar fencing remains inefficient during the rainy season when the sunlight is minimum.
“I think the fencing would be more efficient if we could connect it with electricity. We have even asked the gewog about converting it to electric fencing and they have accepted our proposal,” added Tashi Tobgay.
The group produced around three tons of vegetables every year. They are hoping the production to double this year. They are also looking to cultivate brinjal, watermelon and other vegetables soon.
They sell their products to schools and towns nearby. Three youth from Nanong village formed the farming group after the pandemic hit the country in 2020.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
