In the last five years, farmers of Borangmo in Norbugang Gewog in Pema Gatshel lost 50 per cent of their crops to the wild animals due to ineffective solar fencing. It was re-erected a few months ago. However, it is still not benefiting the farmers.
About five kilometres of solar-powered fences were re-installed around the fields of more than 50 households in Borangmo.
The wooden posts were replaced by HDPE or plastic-made pipes. But the facility has failed to deter wild animals from entering the farms.
This is due to mostly humid weather in the village, which reduces the lifespan of the solar batteries.
“Wooden posts have been replaced by the HDPE pipes. But due to low battery, we don’t feel the electric current along these wires and hence wild animals can easily invade our fields,” said Tshering Dorji, one of the farmers in Borangmo.
His farming mates shared similar problems.
“I was happy the solar fences were re-erected but this year the solar battery is not functioning well and so fences remain useless,” added another farmer, Lobzang Phuntsho.
The other disadvantage of solar fencing is it requires annual maintenance. Thus, considering all these odds, farmers felt switching to electric fences would be an appropriate measure to address the problem.
“Elephants haven’t been able to enter our fields since this fencing is in good condition. But in the upper part of our village, HDPE poles are damaged. Now, we think electric fencing would be more effective,” suggested Lobzang Phuntsho.
“We have requested agriculture officials to resort to electric fencing. Well, they have agreed. I think this is a better option,” added Tshering Dorji.
To provide electric fencing to the farmers, the gewog needs to install electrical equipment such as the meter box near the farms. For that, they have to mobilise funds.
People of Borangmo were resettled under the national rehabilitation project in 2012.
A year later, they received solar-powered fences. It was effective until 2017.
However, if the gewog officials provide electric fences, villagers are hoping to save more than 90 per cent of their harvests from being destroyed by the wild animals.
They depend on cereals like maize to generate income. They also grow vegetables for personal consumption.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Pema Lhaden
