𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐛𝐬𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

…𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔-𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒑𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

By Leki Chungdon

A two-day training on smart agriculture techniques was carried out last week in Gangkha and Gibsa villages under Khebisa Gewog, equipping local farmers with practical tools to strengthen climate resilience and improve soil health. The programme, organised with support from the Gewog’s Extension Agriculture Officer, brought together 78 farmers, with 34 participants from Gangkha and 44 from Gibsa. Local officials also attended to observe and encourage the initiative.

The sessions focused on simple, low-cost, and eco-friendly methods that farmers can apply using materials already available in their communities. Trainers led practical demonstrations on preparing effective microorganisms, bio-enzymes, and natural nutrients. Farmers also learned open biochar making, vermicomposting, and natural pesticides. The final sessions covered grafting, pruning, and air layering to improve fruit and tree propagation.

Participants spent much of the training in hands-on activities, which helped build confidence in applying these practices in their own fields. Organisers said the aim was to promote nature-based solutions that enhance crop productivity and reduce dependence on external inputs. Farmers who adopt these methods are expected to see healthier soils and better yields while strengthening their capacity to adapt to changing weather patterns.
Chojay Wangdi, the Agriculture Extension Officer of Khebisa, said the training addressed several key gaps in the community’s farming practices.

He said, “The programme focused on climate change adaptation by encouraging farmers to use locally available and affordable resources. It also aimed to improve soil fertility by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms and strengthening traditional farming systems with modern, sustainable techniques. The technologies introduced during the training can significantly improve soil health and crop productivity when applied consistently. Methods such as using biochar, EM solutions, embokashi, and other organic soil nutrients enhance the soil structure and increase the population of effective microbes, which support healthier and more resilient plant growth.”

He added, “The training also helped close technical capacity gaps among farmers. Through hands-on demonstrations, farmers learned essential horticulture skills such as grafting, pruning, and layering, which will help them manage fruit trees more effectively and improve yields. Farmers are most likely to adopt practical and low-cost technologies such as EM preparation, bio-enzyme production, and biochar making. These methods are simple, affordable, and can be integrated easily into their daily farming routines, making them suitable for long-term use in the community.”
Sonam Tobgay, the Mangmi of Khebisa Gewog, said, “The training is closely aligned with the gewog’s broader plans to strengthen climate resilience.”

He explained, “One of the gewog’s priorities is community preparedness, and the training helps local residents understand climate risks such as floods, landslides, droughts, and extreme weather. This equips communities to respond more effectively during climate-related emergencies.”

He added, “The programme also supports the gewog’s aim to enhance local skills and knowledge. Farmers received practical training in disaster response, risk assessment, safe practices, and resource management, all of which contribute to long-term resilience. Sustainable resource management is another major focus for the gewog, and the training encourages practices that protect forests, water sources, and farmland while reducing environmental degradation.”

According to him, the training further strengthens coordination and planning among community members.
He said, “Participants learned about roles, responsibilities, reporting, and teamwork, which aligns with the gewog’s efforts to improve cooperation between local leaders, villagers, and disaster management authorities. Early warning and risk reduction measures covered in the training fit well with the gewog’s strategy to reduce hazards before they escalate. Building resilient livelihoods is central to the gewog’s climate plans. Training on climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, and adaptive farming practices will help ensure stable incomes even as weather patterns become more unpredictable. The programme also enhances community participation, which is essential for implementing the gewog’s climate strategy.”

He added, “The gewog is prepared to provide several forms of support following the training. This includes technical guidance and follow-up visits by agriculture extension officers to monitor progress and ensure farmers apply the new techniques properly. The gewog may also help farmers access inputs such as improved seeds, tools, organic fertilisers, or water-saving equipment. The administration can facilitate links to government schemes offered by agencies such as MoAF, DoA, and BTFEC, so farmers can receive subsidies, grants, or support for climate-smart agriculture. Regular awareness programmes and refresher trainings may also be organised to strengthen knowledge over time.”

He said, “The gewog is also considering support for farmer groups and cooperatives to help communities share ideas and sustain new practices collectively. Improvements in irrigation and water management systems may be prioritised, given their importance for climate-resilient farming. A simple monitoring and feedback mechanism could also be introduced so farmers can report challenges and receive timely assistance. Strengthening market linkages will help ensure that climate-smart farming remains economically viable for households in Khebisa Gewog.”

Ugyen Dorji, the Gibsa Tshokpa, said the training supported by Tarayana Foundation had helped farmers understand climate change adaptation and the value of organic agriculture.

He said, “The practical session was the most useful because it taught farmers how to produce organic manure within their own community. This means they no longer need to buy chemical fertilisers, which reduces costs for households and encourages healthier farming practices.”

He added, “The techniques introduced during the programme have strengthened the skills of local farmers and encouraged them to adopt more sustainable methods. However, organic fertiliser takes longer to show results and crops tend to grow more slowly compared to those grown with chemical inputs. Farmers also continue to face market challenges, particularly when selling organic produce, which requires more support and better market access.”
Kuenga, the Gangkha Tshokpa, said both the theoretical and practical sessions were important and useful for the farmers and would benefit their daily work.

He said, “I am confident that learning to prepare low-cost bio-enzymes will help households reduce expenses while making better use of degradable waste such as kitchen scraps and overripe fruits. This not only supports sustainable farming but also reduces pollution and helps protect the environment.”

He added, “The training has strengthened farmers’ knowledge on adapting to climate change and using environmentally friendly practices. Many farmers had never learned how to make proper use of their kitchen waste or understood the pruning techniques that help fruit plants grow faster and healthier. I am hopeful that with the new skills, farmers will be able to protect their orchards better and achieve more productive harvests in the coming seasons.”

The programme is part of the project Enhancing the Resilience of Grassroots Communities to Adapt to Climate Change through Agroforestry, funded by Stiftung Drittes Millennium, the Foundation for the Third Millennium.