Every year, farmers across the country lose about 30 per cent of their agricultural yields to wild animals. This happens despite interventions from the government by providing electric fencing to mitigate human-wildlife issues. As a result, farmers in some districts are often left discouraged to continue farming. Exploring a better alternative to address the issue, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock started providing chain-link fencing last year. The government has spent over Nu 160 M so far to install chain-link fencing in 19 districts.
The government has rolled out 19 chain-link fencing schemes in 19 districts so far.
This has enclosed over three thousand acres of farmland and is expected to benefit more than a hundred households across the country.
The Department of Agriculture is optimistic that besides safeguarding crops against wild animal attacks, the initiative will help in reviving the fallow land.
“It was a sizeable volume to consider in terms of food self-sufficiency and also food security. So, we are trying to address this biggest issue by piloting the chain link fencing in every district. If we are to these wild animals and prevent this loss of 30 per cent we are outweighing the benefit by the investments we are doing,” said Yonten Gyamtsho, director of the Department of Agriculture.
In Thimphu, the chain link fencing scheme was completed at Chhamina village of Kawang Gewog about a month ago.
Close to 50 acres of land in the village has been successfully enclosed with chain link fencing within six months. This will benefit about forty-eight households in the village. The villagers at Chhamina have been struggling to guard their crops, especially potatoes from wild boars.
With the installation of chain-link fencing complete, they are now hopeful that they will be able to harvest all they cultivate. The villagers here mainly grow potatoes, radishes, and carrots.
“The fencing has benefitted us a lot and we are very grateful. We are determined to do farming now. In the past, animals used to damage our crops, especially potatoes,” said Tshering Delma, a resident.
“After the Dzongda handed over the chain link fencing to us today, we are responsible for taking care of the fencing. The government has provided it to us spending a huge amount. The Gewog administration is sure that it will benefit the people. So, we are responsible for the maintenance of the chain link fencing and people here have worked passionately to make this initiative successful,” said Sonam Dorji, Kawang Mangmi.
“The chain link fencing has already started benefitting us. Before we used to lose most of our potato harvest to the wild boars. However, after the installation of the chain-link fencing, the boars have not been able to enter our fields but instead, they have dug holes near the fences,” said Dorji Dem, a resident.
The government started the chain-link fencing initiative after other interventions failed to effectively tackle human-wildlife issues. However, the project could not be initiated in Haa as the district couldn’t obtain forestry clearance.
One kilometre of chain link fencing which costs Nu 1.5 M can enclose about thirty acres of land.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Phub Gyem
