𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐤, 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝟕𝟐 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬

…𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Lhendup Wangmo

A chainlink fencing project is transforming rural agriculture in Sombek under Sangacholing Gewog, Samtse Dzongkhag, bringing renewed hope to 72 farming households. The initiative, designed to protect over 90 acres of fertile wetland from wild animals and stray cattle, is enabling farmers to reclaim abandoned lands and return to cultivation with confidence.

Phata Singh Ghalley, the Gup of Sangacholing/Chargharey Gewog, described the project as a “lifeline” for the community.

“This project is truly a lifeline for the 72 households in the community. It has brought renewed hope and confidence among the farmers, as they can now enjoy their full harvest without fear of damage or loss,” he said. “The investment has not only secured their crops but has also strengthened the foundation of rural agriculture, ensuring better productivity and stability in the long run.”

He highlighted that the project has already enhanced farmers’ productivity by addressing one of their biggest challenges- crop damage from wild animals and stray cattle.

“Previously, farmers invested immense effort in cultivation, only to lose their crops to wild animals and stray cattle. They had to guard their fields day and night once the cereals began to mature,” Phata Singh Ghalley said. “Now, with the chainlink fencing in place, farmers can finally sleep peacefully, knowing their crops are protected. Many had even abandoned their own farmland near the forest and opted to cultivate land closer to settlements, sharing harvests with landowners. This project has restored their confidence and allowed them to return to their own fields, thereby securing their livelihoods and boosting overall agricultural output.”

Explaining how Sombek was chosen for the project, the Gup said the area was identified as a priority because of its fertile land and recurring crop losses.

“Sombek has over 90 acres of fertile wetland, of which around 65 percent remains under cultivation. However, these farmlands were severely affected by wild animals and free-ranging cattle, leading to heavy crop losses every year,” he said. “Following the successful implementation of the lengthy chainlink fencing project in 2023, which protected 100 acres of wetland, Sombek was chosen next based on similar challenges and its significant contribution to local food production. The selection was made strategically to maximize the impact and ensure that the benefits reach the most affected farming communities.”

Highlighting the project’s long-term benefits, Phata Singh Ghalley said the chainlink fencing would serve generations of farmers.

“This initiative will have lasting benefits, as chainlink fencing is a one-time investment that will serve multiple generations. Already, we can witness farmers reviving long-abandoned fallow lands and resuming cultivation with enthusiasm,” he said. “If this spirit continues, it will not only benefit our gewog but also contribute significantly to the country’s overall food security. With both farmers and their crops now safe, agricultural production will increase steadily, ensuring self-sufficiency and resilience in the long term.”

He also assured that the Gewog Administration is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the project.
“We provide constant support ranging from the supply of quality seeds to technical advice and timely reminders to maintain active cultivation,” Phata Singh Ghalley said. “The gewog also monitors and assists in the maintenance of the fencing whenever required. The entire project site has been formally handed over to the beneficiaries, and going forward, we will continue to extend every necessary support to sustain their agricultural activities and safeguard this valuable investment for years to come.”

For years, farmers in Sombek lived in constant fear of losing their hard work to wild animals and stray cattle. Every harvest season brought sleepless nights, as families took turns guarding their fields, often with nothing more than makeshift torches and loud shouts to chase away intruders. But today, that fear has turned into peace of mind thanks to the newly installed chainlink fencing that now surrounds more than 90 acres of fertile farmland.

Among the 72 households who have benefited, Deki Om, a farmer in her late 40s, said the change has been life changing.

“Before the fencing, we worked so hard, but we could hardly enjoy what we grew,” she said, recalling the years of losses. “At night, wild boars and cattle would destroy everything. We used to take turns guarding the fields, even sleeping outside in the cold. Sometimes, all our effort went to waste.”

With the chainlink fencing now in place, Deki says her family finally feels safe and her harvests have nearly doubled.
“Now we can sleep peacefully. I no longer worry about losing my crops. Last season, I harvested more rice than I ever have in the past years,” she said. “We can even plan for the future to grow vegetables and maybe keep livestock because we know our land is protected.”

Like Deki, many other farmers have returned to their long-abandoned plots near the forest, which they once left due to animal damage.

“Earlier, I was cultivating someone else’s land near the village and sharing half my harvest,” she said. “Now I’m back on my own land. It feels good to work on what’s truly ours.”

Today, the results are visible. Farmers are reviving unused land, and paddy fields that once lay empty now shimmer green again. For many, this project is not just about fencing- it is about freedom, safety, and dignity.
Chiwog Tshogpa Sonam Phuntsho said the difference between before and after the fencing is striking.
“Before, farmers in Sombek faced constant wildlife conflict, and their crops were often destroyed before harvest,” he said. “Now, for the first time, we are seeing a real change. There is no more crop destruction, and farmers can finally harvest their produce in full. The yield has increased significantly this year, and people are more motivated to work on their farms. It has truly brought new hope and confidence to our community.”

Farmer Indra Bdr Rai said the change brought by the chainlink fencing has been clearly visible across the community.
“Before the fencing, there was very little interest among farmers. Many had given up cultivation because their crops were always damaged, and their hard work went to waste,” he said. “But now, it’s completely different. About 80 percent of the farmers have returned to farming this season. When you walk around, you can see the difference fields are green again, and people are working with enthusiasm. The chainlink fencing has really revived our interest and confidence in agriculture.”