Chain-link fence is gradually addressing the long-standing issue of crop damage by wild animals. In Dagana, the newly installed chain-link fence is already helping farmers of Tashiding Chiwog to upscale paddy production by protecting their fields. The fence was inaugurated yesterday.
The 3.6-kilometre fencing covers 110 acres of both wet and dry land. Constructed at a cost of over six million ngultrum (GoI’s PTA funding), the fencing brought relief to over 60 households. The government provided the construction materials while farmers contributed labour.
Gembo Rabgay is one of the farmers who expanded his paddy cultivation this year. Cultivated in around three acres last year, this year he has transplanted the crop to over four acres, including a leased wetland.
Gembo Rabgay said, “In the past, we lost crops to wild boars. But with the fencing, I have harvested around two tonnes of maize this year. Likewise, I expect to harvest a DCM truckload of paddy this year.”
Other farmers in the chiwog have also expanded paddy cultivation by reviving their once fallow land.
Singye Wangmo, a farmer said, “After resettling here, I have cultivated paddy for over five years. But later, I stopped due to wild boars attacking the crop. Monkeys also damaged the paddy.”
“Around 40 acres of wetland were left fallow last year. However, the majority of that fallow land has been revived this year except for a few acres,” said Sanjit Kumar Pokhrel, another farmer.
A solar-powered fence has also been installed on top of the chain-link fence to deliver a mild current and deter monkeys. The Bhutan Power Corporation officials have conducted awareness programmes on safety to the public since the fence is along the highway. Warning signage in the core areas has also been installed.
“After the setting, the fence will release current every 1.2 seconds. If we release current continuously, it would pose a risk to animals and humans when they touch the wire. Releasing current every 1.2 seconds ensures safety,” said Sam Tshewang, BPC Manager with Dagana Division.
However, not all farmers cultivated paddy this year, leaving their farmlands fallow. The Gewog administration expects every landowner to resume farming from next year in line with the chain-link fence bylaw.
Tashiding Gup Ratna Bdr. Singer said, “Farmers told us in the past they kept their land fallow due to crop damage by wild animals. But now in the agreement, farmers assured us that they will revive every fallow land and grow crops once they get a chain-link fence.”
Gembo Rabgay added, “Some farmers couldn’t cultivate paddy this year since the fence was completed only recently. The Gewog administration has agreed to support the agricultural land development project and provide irrigation water pipes soon. We are hopeful they will grow crops after that.”
Plans are also underway to install chain-link fencing for farmers in lower Tashiding. The fencing, like this, plays an important role at a time when crop depredations by wild animals are on the rise.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
