Farmers of Zhisarthang in Sarpang’s Singye Gewog are finally breathing a sigh of relief as their farmlands are being fenced with chainlink. For years, they have struggled with wild animals damaging their crops, forcing many to leave their fields fallow.
Farmers have been growing paddy, vegetables, and areca nuts but it has been a constant battle. Wild boars, rabbits, deer, porcupines, and elephants have repeatedly destroyed their crops.
The conflict with these wild animals has made farming difficult, leading many farmers to leave their lands fallow.
Recently, the installation of chain-link fences has begun. The agriculture and livestock ministry has provided the materials for the project.
The nearly 8-kilometre-long fence will surround both wet and dry land, protecting around a thousand acres and benefiting some 100 households.
Tenzin Phuntsho, a farmer said, “We expect to gain significant benefits from this project. The government previously assisted us with solar fencing but it was ineffective. Solar fences couldn’t keep elephants away and wild boars and deer were able to break through. We hope that the chain-link fence will be strong enough to prevent even small animals like rabbits from invading our fields.”
“This fence will be useful in keeping wild boars, deer, and porcupines away. Until now, these animals have damaged our paddy, areca nuts, and maize. This fencing should help keep them at bay, though I am still a bit sceptical about elephants,” said Karma, a farmer.
Ran Badhur Gurung, a farmer said, “It will likely prevent wild boars from invading our crops but not elephants. We think we need to connect the fence to an electric current to keep the elephants away. Without electricity, the fence won’t be able to stop elephants and we’ll continue facing trouble.”
“Whatever we plant in our fields we hope to reap the full harvest. I am happy with the project,” said Shanti Maya Rai, a farmer.
The fencing is expected to be completed by May this year.
The gewog administration hopes that the fencing will not only help farmers reclaim their fallow land but also support income generation.
Singye Gup Jigme said, “We are planning to make chain-link fencing serve as an electric fencing as well. We want to incorporate an electric current once it is completed. And then accordingly plan to address the issue of wildlife conflict effectively.”
The project, funded by the Government of India, is worth 10 million ngultrum.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
