𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧-𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐨 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐣𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭

…𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚-𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 600 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒔, 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒑 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔

By Kinzang Lhamo

A 9.518-kilometre chain-link fencing project in Ramjar Gewog has been completed, offering protection to approximately 613.1 acres of farmland and directly benefiting 275 households. Funded by the Government of India under the Project Tied Assistance (GoI-PTA) initiative, the project is being credited with reducing human-wildlife conflict and revitalizing agricultural activity in the region.

Implemented with active labour contributions from the local community, the project is seen as a timely intervention for farmers who have long struggled to protect their crops from wild animals such as wild boars, monkeys, porcupines and deer.

“Before the chain-link fencing, wild animals used to destroy all our crops just when it was time to harvest,” said Tshoki Dorji, a farmer from Ramjar. “We grow chilli, cabbage, potatoes and other vegetables. Our survival depends on what we produce from the land. We tried using electric fencing in the past, but it was not very effective.”

Since the introduction of chain-link fencing, farmers have observed a decrease in crop damage and no longer need to guard their fields at night. For many, this change has brought peace of mind and renewed hope in farming.
“With the new chain-link fencing, we feel much safer,” said Tshoki. “Now we do not have to sleep in the fields anymore. We have added electric fencing on top of it as well, and since it is high voltage, we are hopeful it will work. We are really thankful to the government for this support.”

Phurpa Gyeltshen, the Gup of Ramjar Gewog, said the project marks a significant change for the community.
“Before, all the lands were cultivated. But over time, wild boars, monkeys, deer and porcupines started destroying our crops. Because of that, many acres were left uncultivated. The conflict with wildlife was the main reason,” he said.
He added that since the fencing was installed, the need for farmers to stay overnight in their fields has ended.

“We used to sleep in the fields in huts and tents, but it has been two to three weeks since we put up the wire mesh, and not a single villager has had to sleep outside,” said the Gup. “No one knows what the future holds, but I believe people will now reap the rewards of their hard work in the fields. More importantly, they can finally sleep at home in peace.”

Residents have begun clearing abandoned farmland and returning to cultivation, a shift that reflects growing confidence in agriculture. “Many who had given up farming have started returning to their land,” said the Gup. “There were wildlife problems before too, but they were never recorded. Now, I hope we see real change.”

Sonam Gyeltshen, another farmer, shared similar experiences of prolonged struggle against crop loss.
“Wild boars, monkeys, deer and other animals would frequently enter our fields and destroy our hard work overnight,” he said. “We used to depend on traditional methods like setting up scarecrows, banging metal objects or lighting fires to keep them away. But honestly, these methods were not really effective, especially at night or during harvest season.”
Although some support such as electric fencing and sound-based deterrents was received in the past, Sonam said those measures often failed due to limited coverage and lack of maintenance.

“Most of the farmland remained exposed. We had no choice but to take turns guarding fields, even during harsh weather, or risk major losses,” he said.
He added that the chain-link fencing has brought a sense of security to the farming community.
“Now that we have received the chain-link fencing, we are finally starting to feel a sense of security,” said Sonam. “It not only protects our crops from wild animals but also creates a safer environment for people living nearby. We no longer have to stay awake or take turns guarding the fields.”

He said fewer crop losses would likely lead to better yields, improved food security and more income.
“That means more food for our families and a better chance of earning income. It might even encourage more people to return to farming actively now that the fear of wild animals is reduced. Overall, this fencing gives us new hope not just for our crops, but for a better and more stable livelihood,” he said.
Local agricultural authorities also expect long-term benefits.

“The introduction of chain-link fencing in agricultural areas has already shown remarkable benefits across the country, and we anticipate the same for Ramjar Gewog,” said Karma Tobgay, Senior Extension Supervisor III.
He said secured farmland will enable farmers to reclaim fallow plots, introduce high-value crops and practice multiple cropping with reduced risk.

“This intervention can transform the local farming landscape, boosting income, improving food self-sufficiency and even attracting youth back to farming,” he said.
To maintain the fencing, bylaws are being drafted to ensure proper use and upkeep. Responsibility for management will be shared between the beneficiaries and relevant agencies.
“Reduced risks are encouraging farmers to adopt market-oriented agriculture with greater confidence,” said Karma Tobgay.

Tshering Dechen, Livestock Extension Supervisor, noted that the fencing has also helped protect livestock.
“Though the primary aim of the chain-link fencing was to protect crops, it has also helped reduce livestock predation by limiting the movement of wild predators into settlements and grazing areas,” he said.
He explained that reduced attacks from leopards, wild dogs and foxes mean fewer cattle losses, which are significant for rural families.

“A single cattle loss can strain a family’s food supply and income. By preventing such losses, the fencing is directly strengthening household resilience,” said Tshering.
To address concerns about access to grazing land, 20 gates have been installed along the fence to allow controlled movement. This was done following feedback from farmers who feared that restricted pasture access would affect cattle health.

In the long term, the livestock sector plans to promote stall-feeding by supporting fodder development. Officials said this will ensure year-round livestock nutrition and complement the fencing.

The success of the project in Ramjar Gewog highlights the importance of community-driven efforts supported by infrastructure investment. Villagers contributed labour and maintained a sense of ownership throughout the process.
As farmlands are cultivated again and rural households gain confidence, the project is being seen as a model for other gewogs facing similar problems. Farmers are hopeful that with better protection and renewed trust, agriculture will not only continue but grow stronger in the years ahead.

For a community that has lived with crop damage and sleepless nights, the chain-link fencing has become more than a physical barrier. It is now a marker of resilience, cooperation and commitment to the land they farm.