𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐰𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

…𝑻𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒑𝒐𝒌𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒕 𝒚𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅, 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈-𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Leki Chungdon

Tshowongpoktor, Samdrupjongkhar- The Tshowongpoktor Integrated Farming Project continues to advance steadily under the Land Use Certificate (LUC) program, with notable progress in the construction of trellising systems for kiwi and passionfruit on the second day of field activities. The day’s work focused on strengthening infrastructure for vine training and support systems, which are essential for enhancing fruit production in the coming seasons. The tasks were carried out collaboratively by Agriculture Extension Supervisors, farm labourers, and the LUC Chairperson, reflecting the strong teamwork and dedication that underpin the project.

At the kiwi plantation site, aggregates and cement were mixed to prepare concrete foundations for trellis installation. A total of 28 T-bars were positioned at the center of each pit, supported by four poles, and firmly set in place with the concrete mixture. This foundation ensures durability and stability, allowing the trellis to withstand wind pressure and the load of mature kiwi vines during fruiting. Seven Agriculture Extension staff and four farm labourers, including the LUC Chairperson, participated in the construction. One tractor-load of aggregates and cement was transported to the site to support the work, which was completed on schedule.

In the designated area for passionfruit cultivation, land clearing and initial groundwork were carried out to prepare for trellis installation. Proper measurements were taken to ensure accurate alignment and spacing of angle and support poles. Approximately 10 percent of the required holes for trellis posts were completed, with seven Agriculture Extension staff, three hired labourers, and one worker assigned for grass clearing contributing to the effort.

The day’s progress marks an important step toward establishing key infrastructure for kiwi and passionfruit cultivation under the Tshowongpoktor Integrated Farming Project. The active involvement of extension staff, labourers, and local leadership demonstrates the collaborative spirit driving the initiative forward. Once completed, the trellising structures are expected to play a crucial role in supporting vine growth, improving productivity, and enhancing the long-term sustainability of the integrated farming system.

Tashi Wangmo, a Gewog Agriculture Extension Supervisor, said, “The main objective of establishing trellising systems for kiwi and passionfruit under this project is to provide strong structural support for proper vine growth, which will ultimately lead to improved yields and better productivity. Trellising helps with canopy management, improves sunlight exposure and air circulation, reduces the risk of diseases, and makes farm operations such as pruning, training, and harvesting much easier. Altogether, these benefits result in higher fruit production and better quality. In the long term, trellising will enhance fruit yield and quality by supporting healthy vine growth and balanced canopy management.

With proper support, fruits receive uniform sunlight and adequate air circulation, which improves their size, taste, and overall quality. It also helps reduce pest and disease problems by lifting the vines off the soil and lowering moisture levels around them. Moreover, trellising makes farm management tasks more efficient and helps maintain consistent yields over time.”

He added that during the construction and installation of the trellising systems, the team faced several challenges, including difficult terrain and uneven ground, which required extra effort for site leveling and pit digging. Transporting heavy materials such as poles, concrete, and wires to the farm site was physically demanding and time-consuming. Despite these challenges, the team worked together to ensure proper installation. To guarantee the durability and stability of the trellises, high-quality materials such as treated angle posts and strong support poles capable of withstanding heavy vine loads and harsh weather conditions were used.

Each pole was anchored firmly with concrete foundations to prevent tilting or collapse. Proper spacing and alignment were maintained to evenly distribute the weight of the plants and fruits, reducing stress on the structure. Regular monitoring and maintenance, such as tightening wires and checking for any damage, will also be carried out to ensure the trellises remain strong and functional over time.

Following the foundation work, the next step is to prepare basins for planting the saplings. This involves loosening the soil to improve aeration and drainage, adding organic compost or fertilizer to enhance soil fertility, and ensuring the basins are the right size to support healthy root development. Proper basin preparation is essential for strong establishment and vigorous growth of the saplings. Regular monitoring and maintenance will follow to ensure healthy vine development and the effective functioning of the trellising system.

Gyeltshen, the LUC Chairperson, said, “In Tshowongpoktor, we cultivate kiwi and passion fruit, but this is the first time we have used a trellising system. The advantage of using metal trellises is their durability- unlike wooden ones that need to be replaced every year, metal structures last much longer. We plan to supply our kiwi and passion fruit to the juice factory and the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Our team focuses on both dairy and agriculture, dedicating three hours each day to dairy work and another three hours to farming activities. We don’t have plans to expand this project elsewhere for now; instead, we are concentrating on improving and strengthening what we have already started in Tshowongpoktor.”

The Tshowongpoktor Integrated Farming Project demonstrates a structured approach to integrated horticulture, emphasizing infrastructure development, community involvement, and sustainable practices. With careful planning and continued collaboration, the project is expected to improve fruit yield, quality, and long-term sustainability, benefiting both the local farmers and the broader community.