Come next farming season, the farmers of Tangsibji Gewog in Trongsa will be able to reap what they sow. The gewog administration will erect chain-link fences around some 400 acres of wetlands this July. This preventive measure is highly expected to be instrumental in protecting crops from wild animals.
Today, farmers there lose a significant share of their fruits of labour to the wildlife every year. The Dzongkhag Tshogdu endorsed the proposal to construct the chain-link fence last October.
But the proposal could not materialise soon due to the budget constraints and recurrent lockdowns. Nonetheless, the gewog is hopeful of starting the works during the upcoming financial year, which begins in July.
The gewog has already submitted the proposal along with a budget estimate of Nu 32 M, and the design and length of the chain-link fence to the agriculture ministry.
“As of now, we couldn’t decide the exact amount for the construction of the chain-link fencing. The government said they are considering sanctioning the budget at the earliest,” shared Tangsibji Gup, Jigme Namgyel Tangbi.
This news has brought much-needed relief to more than 100 households in the gewog. They said the chain-link fencing would mitigate the persistent human-wildlife conflict.
“Most terraces are left fallow since our harvests are mostly damaged by wild animals. So, if a chain-link fence could be constructed, we would be encouraged to do farming on a large scale,” said one of the farmers in the gewog, Wangchuk Dema.
Gewog officials shared that electric fencing seems to prove futile in keeping the wild animals off the farms. So, hopes are now pinned on the chain-link fencing.
“We have received electric fences and it has benefited a lot for the past three years. But, I think wild boars have grown immune to the electric fence,” said Tangsibji Tshogpa, Thinley Gyamtsho.
“This is because if we chase them today. They will be back on the farms tomorrow, and this is a serious challenge for us.,” the Tshogpa clarified.
Farmers also worry that the shrinking Mangdechhu due to its diversion for the hydropower plant has led to frequenting of wild animals.
They predict a similar predicament in terms of the Nikachhu hydropower project. However, the chain-link fencing project is expected to be an answer to these problems.
“As the river is diverted to the hydropower plant, it shrinks and wild animals from the other side easily cross the river and enter the fields. The problem escalates during the paddy season,” added the Tshogpa.
Tangsibji Gewog is one of the largest producers of rice in Trongsa. Besides this, with suitable weather, the gewog grows all kinds of vegetables.
If everything goes as planned, the entire 400 acres of wetlands will be fenced with chain-link fences by next summer.
Passang, Trongsa
Edited by Pema Lhaden
