Fallow fields in Semji village in Trongsa have been a habitat for many wild animals for years. Villagers say on average, they lose about five cattle in a month to wild animals. To minimise livestock depredation by predators, 50 acres of the fallow land will be converted into pastureland with electric fencing.
Recently, officials from the National Research and Development Center for Animal Nutrition (NRDCAN) helped the farmers plough and sow fodder seeds on 25 acres of fallow land. However, the remaining 25 acres will be converted into pastureland next year.
The land remained uncultivated for more than three decades. With the completion of sowing fodder seeds, the farmers can soon allow their cattle to graze freely on the land.
“We divided the land whereby the cattle can be grazed in the pasture on a rotational basis. Meaning the cattle will be not allowed to eat the grasses repeatedly in the same area. The grasses would be given time to regenerate after the first grazing. This process is called paddock,” said Sonam Wangchuk, the Senior Feed and Fodder Officer of NRDCAN.
He added that the farmers need not sow the fodder seeds at least for a decade.
Currently, villagers are carrying out clearing works for the installation of the electric fences. And the initiative brought smiles to more than 20 households.
“The pastureland will help us boost livestock farming,” said Pelden Lhendup, a villager.
“In the past, we didn’t hear that tigers attacked our cattle. But these days, the tigers are attacking the cattle even near our village. Therefore, after many reports to forestry officials, we are finally receiving this kind of support. So, we are expecting that such an initiative will benefit us,” said Yesheyla, another villager.
There are also plans to carry out the project in other villages in Nubi gewog where there are similar major human-wildlife conflicts.
Passang, Trongsa
Edited by Tshering Zam
