Land development projects are proving to be an effective solution to revive and mechanise farming, especially in remote places across the country. In Pema Gatshel, the project has helped farmers of Khar Gewog resume farming on their lands that had been left fallow for years due to sloppy terrain and a shortage of labourers.
This is in Tsezor village, where land development was carried out recently. What was once barren land is now transformed into terraced fields where farmers can grow a variety of crops. Land development was similarly done in the nearby village of Phadi.
“It had become a forest before the terracing was done. Now, I’m hopeful for a better yield. Though the excavation process removed the topsoil, we’ve managed to make improvements here. We’re now planning to cultivate according to the agricultural officials’ advice,” said Peldon, a farmer.
“In the past, the land was too steep and farming was difficult. Even when we applied manure, it was washed away by rain. But now, thanks to government support, the land has been developed, making it much easier for us to work on,” said Tashi Dawa, another farmer.
“I haven’t cultivated anything yet, as the land was just developed. But we’re optimistic about the future. With the land now levelled, the soil will retain its fertility, and we’re hoping to get better yields,” said Sangay Peldon, also a farmer.
The land development project, aimed at improving soil quality, has been hailed as a major advancement over traditional methods such as planting fodder for land rejuvenation.
The success of this project has sparked interest among farmers in the neighbouring villages who are now reaching out to gewog authorities in hopes of securing similar projects in their community.
“If our land is developed, we could produce more and increase our income. Many farmers are also saying that they would be grateful if such opportunities were extended to them,” added Tashi Dawa.
“We were informed by the agriculture extension officers that the budget for this project was limited. However, they have assured us that they will continue land development if additional funding becomes available in the future,” further added Peldon.
While the gewog administration is currently unable to fund additional projects due to budget constraints, the gup said the gewog will seek alternative funding sources to further support farmers and enhance agricultural land in the gewog.
“I hope to support other villages like Regay, Shinangri, and Tsebar in the future, provided I can secure funding, such as from the UNDP office,” said Jamtsho, Khar Gup.
More than 10 acres of land have been terraced as part of this land development initiative, benefiting approximately 15 households in Tsezor and Phadi villages.
The Agriculture Sector has allocated around Nu 500,000 from the GEF-UNDP Small Grant Project for the initiative.
Additionally, the gewog has received a grant of over Nu 2.6 M from the UNDP country office for dairy development, agricultural land improvement, and the supply of seeds and seedlings to farmers.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
