Solar fencing has been one of the effective measures to protect crops from wildlife in many parts of the country. But in Doongkarling Chiwog of Phuentshogthang in Samdrup Jongkhar, farmers claim it did not benefit them.
Solar fencing in Doongkarling has been dysfunctional for more than a year now.
The three kilometres solar fencing was installed in 2015 at a cost of Nu 300,000 from the gewog development grant.
But today, some of the wires and poles are broken and the fence does not serve its purpose. Farmers say solar fencing did not function from the day it was installed.
“The solar fence did not benefit us. We had informed agricultural officers and local leaders about it,” Chandra Bahadur Gurung, one of the farmers, said.
“After the installation of the fencing, there was no power, and it was left idle. And with wild elephants damaging our crops, we face lots of problems. It would benefit us if the solar fencing is functional,” Pema Tashi, another farmer, said.
The Phuentshogthang Gewog Administration and Gewog Agriculture Extension Officer said solar fencing was charged once and it was working till mid of last year. But it got damaged, as villagers did not carry out maintenance work on time.
“We need equal support from the villagers because during summer with heavy rainfall, it is overgrown with weeds. Villagers need to clear bushes,” Jamyang Gyeltshen, the Phuentshogthang Gup, said.
Meanwhile, the gewog and agriculture office is now carrying out the maintenance works.
