In Zhisarthang village of Singye Gewog, Sarpang, fallow land is turning green again. After years of battling wild animal intrusions, the installation of about 15-kilometre chain-link fencing has helped farmers reclaim their land, protect their crops, and revive their hopes for food security.
For years, farmers in Zhisarthang struggled against wild elephants, boars, deer, and even rabbits destroying their crops, property, and at times endangering lives. But today, the story is different.
“Wild boars and elephants used to rampage through our crops. My areca nut trees started bearing fruit last year, but nearly 200 were destroyed. With the fencing, such damage has stopped,” said Maniwa, Resident, Zhisarthang, Singye Gewog, Sarpang.
“In the past, we only had electric fencing, which kept away big animals, but smaller ones could still enter and damage our crops. Now, the chain-link fencing has given us full protection. But without electric current, elephants can still damage structures, and smaller animals may also sneak in,” said Bishnu Kumar Rai, Resident, Zhisarthang, Singye Gewog, Sarpang.
“In the past, elephants and monkeys used to come from all directions. We could never collect a full harvest and had to guard our farmland day and night. Since the fencing was installed, wild animals no longer enter, and our fields are flourishing. But without electricity, elephants might still trouble us,” said Khagi Maya Thapa, Resident, Sangyethang, Singye Gewog, Sarpang.
Local leaders say the fencing has done more than just keep animals away. According to Singye Gup, Jigme, the project was implemented in two phases covering 15 kilometres across two chiwogs of Labtsakha and Sangyethang. With a total budget of Nu 22 M, the fencing now protects about 1,000 acres of farmland, directly benefiting nearly 100 households.
“In the past, nearly half of our crops and hard work were lost to wildlife invasions. But with the chain-link fencing, things have changed. Farmers are now able to enjoy the fruits of their labour, consume what they grow, and most of the earlier challenges have been resolved,” said Jigme, Singye Gup, Sarpang.
Funded by the Government of India, the project was completed through a cost-sharing model. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock supplied fencing materials, while the community contributed labour to bring the project to life.
Given the success of this project, the gewog administration says similar programmes are being planned for other chiwogs as well, to help more farmers reclaim their fallow land and move towards the government’s goal of food self-sufficiency.
For Zhisarthang farmers, the chain-link fencing has been more than just a barrier. As fields turn green again, villagers are hopeful of seeing full harvests, something they had not witnessed for many years.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Passang Dorji
