In Samtse, farmers of Jangchhogling village are looking forward to reviving their long-abandoned farmlands with the installation of a 2.8-kilometre chain-link fence. The project is expected to protect crops from wildlife, encouraging farmers to resume cultivation and restore agricultural productivity.
For years, Jangchhogling farmers have endured repeated crop losses caused by wild boars, monkeys, deer, and other wildlife,
This has forced many to migrate or leave their lands fallow.
The village which was once a vibrant farming community producing paddy, maize, and cardamom, gradually saw a steady decline in agriculture due to frequent wildlife incursions. Today, most of the 60 acres of farmland remain unused.
This scenario is set to change with the implementation of a chain-link fencing project that spans the entire agricultural area.
“We used to do a lot of farming in the past, but wild animals like monkeys, deer, and wild boars started destroying our crops. Many residents, frustrated with the situation, have moved to towns and now run small shops there. That’s why much of our farmland here remains idle and fallow,” said Dhan Bdr Ghalley, a resident.
“In the past, we had to guard our crops from monkeys during the day and protect them from wild boars at night. With the chain-link fencing, we are very optimistic that the situation will improve,” said Hemraj Ghalley, another resident.
“When wild animals repeatedly destroy the crops we’ve worked so hard to grow, it’s very discouraging. This has forced many villagers to migrate elsewhere. But with the new project, we’re hopeful that things will change for the better and we will benefit,” said Dechen Wangmo, also a resident.
Unlike solar fencing, which proved ineffective in deterring wildlife, the new fencing is designed to address the issue more effectively. Standing one meter high, the fencing will have electric poly wire on top, creating a stronger barrier to stop wild animals from encroaching into the fields.
The project started after a community request last year and received Nu 4.5 M from the Samtse District Administration for fencing materials.
Villagers, however, are covering the installation costs, with each household contributing Nu 28,000. The work, handled by the community, is expected to finish in three months.
Once complete, the project will benefit all 32 households of Jangchhogling village, restoring farming and revitalising the village’s economy.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
