𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧-𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒑 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒆

By Tashi Tshewang

A rural development project aimed at protecting farmland and improving agricultural productivity has been completed in Daga Gewog with the successful installation of the Uma Khamaed Chain-Link Fencing (CLF). The project was implemented under the supervision of the Dzongkhag Administration and funded by the Government of India through its Small Development Project (SDP). It was initiated in response to repeated crop losses caused by wild animal intrusions, a longstanding challenge for local farmers that affected food production and household income.

Spanning 8.82 kilometers, the fencing now safeguards 200.18 acres of agricultural land, including 130.18 acres of wetland and 70 acres of dryland. A total of 47 households directly benefit from the initiative. For many, the fencing represents more than a physical barrier- it offers the prospect of improved harvests, reduced field guarding, and more efficient land use. The project is part of a broader effort by the Royal Government, in collaboration with development partners, to strengthen the rural economy through farmland protection and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

During the inauguration ceremony, speakers underscored the importance of such infrastructure in supporting rural transformation. Stakeholders highlighted that fencing not only reduces wildlife-related crop losses but also encourages the use of fallow land, supports crop diversification, and gives farmers the confidence to invest in their land. The initiative has been regarded as a model for community-led agricultural protection and development.

Tashi Dema, Senior Extension Supervisor in Daga Gewog, said, “After the budget was allocated to Uma Khamaed, we held meetings with the beneficiaries, Gewog Administration, and Dzongkhag officials. We formed a committee, developed bylaws and SOPs, and clearly defined each member’s role. Surveys were conducted with the Gewog Engineer and Land Record Office to finalize the boundary and identify landowners. Based on land size, we divided work responsibilities fairly. Materials like cement, sand, and boulders were ordered and supplied as needed. We monitored progress closely and addressed minor disputes during implementation.”

She said the initial phase focused on planning and coordination with the involvement of the community and continuous monitoring to ensure timely implementation.

She added, “Electric fencing materials were collected and distributed. We submitted the required documents online to BPC, and meters and energizers were successfully installed. The Tshogpa, committee, and Gewog will coordinate to ensure that fallow land is brought under cultivation. Farmers are encouraged to grow national priority crops such as rice, maize, wheat, quinoa, soybean, peanuts, and winter vegetables to enhance food security and income. Fence maintenance is now the community’s responsibility. Painting posts with red oxide is advised to prevent rust, and government support will only be provided in cases of major damage from natural disasters, based on proper assessment.”

Kinga, the Gup of Daga, said, “We had a meeting with the people about the need for fencing because wild animals were causing major crop damage, especially in Khamaed. After gathering feedback, we submitted a proposal to the Dzongkhag Administration. Our gewog is about 35 kilometers from the Dzongkhag headquarters, and the village itself lies another 14 to 15 kilometers from the main road. Given the isolation and frequent wildlife intrusions, the support we received was a great relief.”

He said the project was planned through community consultation and a transparent process. To ensure fairness, a structured system was introduced for fencing distribution.

He added, “To ensure fairness, we developed a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Fencing was distributed proportionally based on landholding size. The selection of Khamaed chiwog, out of five chiwogs in the gewog, was done through a lucky dip, and Khamaed was drawn first. Some electric pole fencing was also installed in the most vulnerable sections to provide additional protection. We made sure every step was agreed upon with the villagers. This project is now a community responsibility, and its success will determine whether other chiwogs receive similar support.”

Dargay, a farmer from Uma Khamaed, said, “Before the chain-link fence was installed, life was very difficult. We barely had time to sleep because we had to guard our fields every night during harvest season. It was exhausting and stressful. Although we received electric fencing support about three years ago, animals still managed to get through, and we kept losing crops.”

He added, “Now that we have the chain-link fencing, I believe it will make a big difference. We can grow our crops without fear of destruction and finally sleep peacefully at night. This support means a lot to our community and gives us hope for a better future.”

Pema Zangmo, a farmer from Khamaed, said, “Wild animals used to destroy our crops almost every season, leaving us with little to harvest. It was disheartening to work hard all year only to see the fruits of our labor wasted. We felt powerless to protect our livelihoods.”

She said the new fence gives them hope for better protection. “Since the installation of the chain-link fencing, we hope to notice fewer animal intrusions and better crop survival. This would encourage us to try planting more diverse crops and invest more time in our farms. The fence has brought hope and stability back to our community.”

The Uma Khamaed Chain-Link Fencing project was officially handed over to the local community on June 24, 2025, following its completion in five months. With a total investment of Nu. 14.7 million, the project has secured a significant stretch of farmland. As the fencing becomes fully operational, the focus now shifts to ensuring its upkeep through community-led efforts and making the best use of the protected land. The project aims to provide long-term benefits in improving food security, enhancing household incomes, and supporting the growth of the rural economy.