Farmers of Ngalimang_Phanteng and Betsamang Chiwogs in Trashi Yangtse are enjoying a better rice harvest this season. Thanks to their annual special visitors-the majestic black-necked cranes.
In an effort to increase feeding areas for the endangered cranes, the two chiwogs received electric fencing for their paddy fields. This also encouraged many farmers to cultivate their fallow paddy fields this time.
Earlier, they lost part of their harvest to wild animals.
“Thanks to the electric fencing, we have the harvest to ourselves. In the past, we used to collect 2000 dreys every season. But in recent years, it decreased to 500 to 600 dreys despite guarding the crop,” Karma Thinley from Ngalimang_Phanteng of Boomdeling Gewog said.
“Earlier, there were not many wild animals in the nearby forest. But as it grew thicker, the population of wild animals increased as well. Each household had to send a person to guard the crops. But now, with the electric fencing, all such problems have been addressed,” Kuenzang Wangchuk from Betsamang of Boomdeling Gewog said.
To continue reaping the benefits, farmers have formed groups to carry out maintenance of the 24-kilometre electric fencing.
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) funded the installation of the facility, while the locals contributed labour.
Meanwhile, with more feeding areas, the Boomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is expecting an increase in the number of cranes this time.
Last year the office recorded 102 black-necked cranes. Although this is a slight increase as compared to 2016, officials said the average number of cranes visiting the area has been decreasing over the years.
“Some of it has eroded, while the rest is near the forest,” Sangay Drukpa, a Sr. Range Officer with the Boomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, said.
“When the wild animals attack the paddy fields, people are discouraged to continue cultivating the crop. Now, with the electric fencing, it will help farmers harvest more rice and, at the same time, increase the feeding areas for the cranes.”
The Boomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary also helped farmers reclaim over five acres of paddy fields near the roosting area of black-necked cranes. It was damaged by deposits washed down by Kholongchhu.
