Farming in Thangrong Gewog in Monggar was once nearly impossible because of the steep terrain. But today, the situation is improving. Land management initiatives introduced more than a decade ago are making a difference. Building on earlier progress, all five chiwogs in the gewog are taking up more activities. They aim to stabilise the land, enhance soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity.
Thangrong Gewog in Monggar is known for its steep slopes. But today, terraces can be seen cutting across the hillsides.
These are the results of land management works carried out by the agriculture ministry between 2015 and 2021.
Terraces planted with Napier grass and stone lines have helped control soil erosion.
Now, current activities focus on improving soil quality. This includes loosening and levelling the soil, removing rocks, and building new stone lines for fencing and reinforcement.
Thangrong Gup Changa said, “Bauchhoeling – Panglen chiwog is one of the largest in the gewog. We started land development works there last year. We spent Nu 500,000 from the Gewog Grant and received Nu 700,000 from the CARLEP project, bringing the total to over Nu 1.2 M and covering more than 20 acres of land for 33 households. This year, we have allocated Nu 1 M, and have already covered nearly 10 acres of land.”
Farmers say the support is helping them manage labour costs, which were previously a major challenge.
“Earlier, it took three oxen almost a week to plough my field. Now, with a power tiller, it takes just 3 days to do the job. We used to harvest only 6-7 baskets of maize. Last year, I harvested more than 2,000 kilogrammes,” said Phuntsho, a resident of Bauchhoeling.
Another resident of Bauchhoeling, Pema Yangzom said, “Farming has become much easier now. Earlier, we had to hire oxen, which took time and energy. We also had to pay and feed workers. Now, we can use power tillers.”
“The land is steep, but stone lines and levelling have made farming easier. The stone lines also act as fences and keep animals away. Land that was once too difficult to farm has now become cultivable,” said Tshewang Lhamo, a resident of Panglen.
“My land was full of rocks, so I had left it fallow. Now, with excavators clearing the land. I am planning to grow potato and cassava,” said Tenzin, another resident of Panglen.
The gewog office has allocated Nu 1.5 M from its annual grant for next year, to continue similar activities in another chiwog.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
