𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

…𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

A survey has been conducted to plan farm roads in three locations under Dorithasa Chiwog, led by Tshogpa Passing Dorji and Engineer Chamling Rai, with active participation from the local community. The initiative aims to improve rural connectivity and support agricultural and livestock farming in the chiwog.

Farm roads are considered essential rural infrastructure, directly affecting farmers’ ability to transport produce and access markets. In areas with poor connectivity, fertile lands often remain underutilized, limiting productivity and income. The survey in Dorithasa reflects broader efforts to address these challenges through targeted infrastructure development.

The Gewog Administration has consistently prioritised projects that benefit farming communities, especially farm roads and irrigation systems. Improved access is expected to ease the movement of goods, reduce travel time, and strengthen links between remote villages and nearby towns. Roads also contribute to better access to schools, health services, and other essential facilities, making them an important factor in overall rural development.

The survey identified three potential routes for construction, which will follow after technical planning and resource mobilisation. Once completed, the roads are expected to benefit farmers and livestock rearers directly, while also supporting small businesses and service providers in the area. By involving the public in the process, the survey promotes transparency and encourages a sense of ownership among the residents. The initiative forms part of a wider effort to promote balanced development, reduce rural-urban disparities, and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Passing Dorji, Tshogpa of Dorithasa, explained, “The main reason for carrying out the farm road survey is the difficulty people here face in transporting agricultural products and other goods. At present, everything has to be carried manually from the main road, which is time-consuming and limits productivity. We have identified three villages where the farm road is most urgently needed, as the local people have clearly expressed this need. Providing proper road access will not only ease transportation but also support overall development in these areas.”

The survey was completed with active involvement and cooperation from the community, reflecting a shared commitment to improving rural infrastructure. It also allowed the team to assess the terrain and plan routes that would most effectively connect the villages.

He added, “Regarding financial support, the construction will be funded through the Gewog Development Fund of Gakiling. Although there are eight villages in total that require farm roads, we have prioritised three this time due to limited funds. The decision ensures that available resources are used effectively while addressing the most urgent needs first. In the future, we plan to expand the project to cover the remaining villages as additional funds become available. This approach ensures phased, sustainable development that benefits the community while maintaining transparency and proper planning.”

Kirtiman Rai, Assistant Engineer said, “Complications in constructing farm roads sometimes arise due to the geographical terrain in hilly areas. In addition, there are times when communities are not willing to allow road alignments through their farmland, and in such cases, we need to hold several community meetings to reach an understanding.” He added that such challenges can delay construction, and while technical planning addresses terrain-related issues, community concerns require dialogue and consensus to move the project forward.

He further explained, “The completion time of the project mainly depends on the timely arrangement of machinery by the Gewog Administration. But in the long run, the sustainability of farm roads will depend on the care and responsibility taken by the users and beneficiaries themselves.”

Nado, a farmer from Dorithasa, said, “Till now, we had repeatedly requested the gewog officials about the need for a farm road, as it was very difficult for us to carry and bring agricultural products without proper connectivity. Sometimes, we had to carry heavy loads on our backs or use horses, which consumed both time and energy.”

For years, farmers in the chiwog have faced challenges in moving harvests to market. Without proper access, perishable crops often suffered losses, while livestock products could not reach towns on time. Many farmers felt that despite their hard work, lack of infrastructure was holding them back. The survey has given them renewed hope that these hardships may soon be eased.

Nado added, “Now that we are about to get the farm road, we hope it will help us in many ways. It will not only make farming easier but also help us reach schools, health centers, and markets faster. This road will change our lives and benefit the whole community.”

Sonam Choden, another villager from Dorithasa, shared, “For families like ours, the lack of a farm road has been one of the biggest challenges. During emergencies, we struggle to take sick people to the hospital on time, and even schoolchildren have to walk long distances, especially during the rainy season.” She added that beyond farming, the road will improve access to education and health services, which are equally important for community well-being. She also believes the road will encourage young people to stay engaged in agriculture instead of leaving the village in search of easier opportunities elsewhere.

She concluded, “With a proper road, our crops and dairy products can reach the market faster, and we will not suffer losses the way we do now. I feel this road will bring new opportunities and give our children a better future.”