Without proper fences along their fields, paddy growers of Yangnyer Gewog in Trashigang are worried about wild animals destroying their crops. More than 130 farmers of Yangnyer Gewog are struggling day and night to guard their paddy fields from wild animals, mostly wild boars and deer. They are seeking support from the government in the form of chain-link fencing.
Farmers of Dargyeling-Kharthoong chiwog in Yangnyer gewog have been cultivating paddy at this place called Jamkhar Drang since their forefathers’ time.
However, wild animals have remained one of their biggest challenges, destroying their crops every year.
To keep wild animals at bay, farmers have been setting up scarecrows and using empty tins which they bang to chase away the animals.
Besides the farmers of Yangnyer Gewog, there are paddy fields at Jamkhar Drang belonging to Trashi Yangtse’s Jamkhar Gewog. But the Jamkhar Gewog office installed solar fences along their fields this year.
“The paddy fields belonging to Jamkhar farmers have been fenced. Now, wild animals such as wild boars are attacking our land as we do not have fencing. I am worried now. I will have to spend sleepless nights, guarding paddy. Moreover, I am worried that elderly people like us might get attacked by wild boar,” said Zangpo, a villager.
Wangchuk, another villager said “Here, we can even grow crops during winter. Maize, barley and all types of vegetables grow well. But without fencing, most people do not work. So, if the government provides fencing, almost all farmers are willing to work.”
Ugyen Lhendup, who is also a villager said “The government has provided fencing to Jamkhar farmers. Now, the wild animals will attack our crops. Wild boars are seen here and now, I think animals will damage the crops as we do not have fencing.”
The Yangnyer Gup told BBS that although they had plans to provide fences, they will not be able to provide them this year due to budget constraints.
Meanwhile, the gewog administration has also sent a proposal to the Trashigang district administration and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for the fences.
There are more than 70 acres of paddy fields belonging to farmers of Yangnyer Gewog at Jamkhar Drang.
Since it is unclear when the farmers will get the fence, they will have to continue spending sleepless nights protecting their crops from wild animals.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Tshering Zam
