Despite access to chainlink fencing aimed at protecting crops from wild animals, most farmers in Singye Gewog have left their paddy fields fallow. The region, known for its fertile soil capable of supporting diverse crops, is facing significant agricultural challenges.
The government’s substantial investment in chainlink fencing for Singye Gewog has not yielded the desired results, as most of the paddy fields remain fallow.
Farmers cite a lack of irrigation water, labour shortages due to rural-urban migration, and the ineffectiveness of chainlink fencing in some areas as the primary reasons for abandoning their fields.
However, there is hope for change with the anticipated development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“Yarpheling chiwog is within the gewog office area. We face water shortages for growing all kinds of crops. It would be extremely beneficial if we could bring water supply from the Samatung River for drinking and irrigation, as this would help boost our agricultural production,” said Jambayang Lhamo, a resident of Yarpheling, Singye Gewog.
“Farmers used to engage in farming activities in the past. They left their land fallow because they did not receive any compensation for crops damaged by wild animals,” said Choki Dema, a resident of Sangaythang, Singye Gewog.
According to the Singye Gup, Sangaythang and Labtsakha irrigation channels are in dire need of major renovations. The gewog has been unable to undertake these renovations due to insufficient funding.
Approximately 40 per cent of the land in Singye Gewog is left fallow, attributed to labour shortages and other challenges.
The gewog has requested funding in the 13th Five-Year Plan for extensive reconstruction of these irrigation systems.
“The community is facing challenges due to a declining population. Those who live elsewhere leave their land fallow, allowing dense undergrowth to thrive, which in turn creates a habitat for wild animals and problems for the residents here. Our gewog has been reminding people of the importance of residing in the community and continuing farming,” said Jigme, Singye Gup.
In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock facilitated a seven-kilometre chainlink fencing project for the entire Labtshakha and half of Nyenyul village.
The project, which cost over Nu 11 M, was funded by the ministry with labour contributions from the beneficiaries.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
