Tsirang is known for its abundant agricultural production. However, like in other districts, farmers in Tsirang also struggle with wildlife attacks on crops and vegetables. But thanks to a new chain-link fencing project, farmers of three Chiwogs of Tsholingkhar Toed, Tsholingkhar Maed, and part of Gomsum will no longer have to worry about losing their farm produce to wild animals.
The 15-kilometre chain-link fence will cover over 900 acres of both wet and dry land, benefiting around 800 landowners. A group of nine community contractors began the fencing work earlier last month. Farmers say the electric fences provided by the government earlier proved ineffective and required frequent repairing works. They are hopeful that the new chain-link fences will provide better protection, encouraging them to increase agricultural works.
According to the senior gewog agriculture extension supervisor, the three chiwogs have potential to grow all kinds of cereals and mass winter vegetables.
Ram Bdr. Monger, Farmer said “The chain-link fencing will protect our farms from monkeys and deer. My farmland is in the middle of the village but it would benefit for those whose fields are on the outskirts of the village.”
Likewise, Tila Maya Monger said “Mostly monkeys and deer ravage our crops and vegetables. Now with the new fencing, I plan to increase vegetable productions.”
Batri Maya Limbu said “Until now, we were not able to harvest much due to wildlife. Deer constantly damage our crops.”
Similarly, Jigme Namgay said “All nine cereals and a variety of vegetables grow well here. And selling produce isn’t much a problem since we sell them along the highway.”
The government is providing the construction materials while farmers themselves have contributed labour cost ranging from ngultrum 86 to 120 per decimal. So far over 40 per cent of the work is complete and expect to complete the remaining work by the end of April this year. The government is spending over Nu 22 M for the chain-link fencing project.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
