𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

By Sonam Choden

Agriculture remains the fundamental basis of rural livelihoods in eastern parts of the country where challenging topography, limited access to irrigation, and frequent human-wildlife conflicts have historically constrained agricultural productivity. In recognition of these enduring challenges, the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP) has initiated targeted land management interventions aimed at transitioning subsistence farming towards more resilient and market-oriented agricultural systems.

The land management interventions have been implemented across Menji and Maenbi gewogs in Lhuentse, Wangphu in SamdrupJongkhar, and Norbugang in Pemagatshel, aiming to address longstanding agricultural challenges. These include unsuitable terrain, limited access to irrigation, soil degradation, and increasing human-wildlife conflict. In addition, the interventions are geared towards improving food security, increasing crop productivity, and introducing mechanized farming methods to reduce the labor burden on rural farmers.

In Menji Gewog, Lhuentse, land management activities began as early as 2016. The program supported the distribution of farming machinery to 50 households across four chiwogs, which enabled farmers to begin transitioning from traditional manual farming to mechanized agriculture. This change marked a turning point for many residents, especially in terms of time-saving, efficiency, and productivity.

Tshering Wangdi, the Tshokpa of ChusaLegshogang chiwog in Menji, shared that farming continues to be the main livelihood for the community, particularly during the summer season. “We mainly cultivate Ray Karp during the summer. Additionally, we grow garlic, spinach, and cauliflower, but these are mostly for our own consumption,” he said. Alongside crop production, many households also engage in livestock rearing, which contributes both to food supply and household income.

A notable improvement following CARLEP’s intervention was the establishment of an irrigation channel, which played a critical role in alleviating the community’s long-standing struggle with water scarcity. “After the opening of the irrigation channel, we no longer face water problems. It has really eased our daily work,” Tshering noted. The availability of reliable irrigation has reduced the need for labor-intensive water transport and has ensured that crops receive consistent water, particularly during dry spells. Despite these advancements, the community continues to grapple with the issue of wildlife damaging crops. “The only thing we are worried about now is wild animals harming the crops,” he added, referring to the growing concerns over human-wildlife conflict.

Similar improvements have been observed in Wangphu Gewog, in SamdrupJongkhar Dzongkhag. The topography in this gewog is largely sloped, making it unsuitable for machine use. Prior to CARLEP’s involvement, farmers faced considerable difficulty in cultivating their land due to terrain limitations and lack of proper infrastructure.

Pema Wangda, a farmer of Wangphu who owns 40 decimals of farmland, explained the types of crops he grows. “I grow potato, cabbage, radish, ginger, and maize. Although it is mainly for our own consumption, sometimes I sell the surplus and can make around Nu. 30,000 to Nu. 40,000,” he said. These earnings, although modest, supplement his household income and provide some financial flexibility. He also noted that he usually sells his produce in the local market at Bangtar, highlighting how improved access to markets has enabled farmers to convert surplus produce into cash.

Tekchung, a 69-year-old farmer from the same gewog, commented on how land development changed the way he farmed. “Before, it was quite difficult to use machines due to the slope. Now, I can use them comfortably,” he shared. The terrain had once posed significant challenges to land preparation, sowing, and harvesting. However, with CARLEP’s support in land development and irrigation infrastructure, mechanized farming has become more accessible and productive. The introduction of irrigation channels in Wangphu has further supported farmers by providing a reliable water supply, allowing them to cultivate their crops on time without relying on unpredictable rainfall.

In Norbugang Gewog in Pemagatshel Dzongkhag, land development initiatives have also significantly improved agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Dorji Tempa, the Tshokpa of Benporong-Yarphu chiwog, explained that 114 households representing a total population of 966 individuals benefited from the land management program. According to him, around 80 percent of the people in the chiwog participated in the initiative, reflecting strong community engagement. “The land was not suitable for farming before, and human-wildlife conflict was increasing. With CARLEP’s support, our yields have improved, and we are able to sow seeds more efficiently,” he noted.

The support extended to the gewog included the construction of a Nu. 9 million pipeline system, which significantly improved irrigation coverage. Dorji Tempa observed that this intervention allowed for more timely cultivation cycles, helping farmers plant and harvest on schedule. “Timely cultivation has become possible now. Earlier, we used to wait for rainfall. Now we don’t have to,” he explained. The availability of water has not only improved crop cultivation but has also had positive ripple effects on livestock rearing. “People who rear cows have reported an increase in milk production because they can now grow more fodder,” he added. With better access to water, farmers have begun cultivating fodder crops more regularly, leading to healthier cattle and better milk yield.

Khandu, the Tshokpa of Rinchhenzor in Norbugang, highlighted the challenges of using agricultural machinery before land development was done. “The land was quite unsuitable for using machines,” he said, emphasizing how terrain constraints had previously prevented modernization in agriculture. Post-development, the land has become more accessible and productive, allowing the use of small machinery that saves time and effort for farmers.

Karma, the Agriculture Extension Officer of Norbugang Gewog, offered insights into the broader strategy of land management in the area. He emphasized that the majority of the land development efforts were focused on paddy cultivation, given its importance as a staple crop. “To ensure continuous cultivation, we supply paddy seeds on a cost-sharing basis. We also carried out maintenance of irrigation channels to avoid any water-related issues,” he said. The land management activities included technical measures such as bench terracing, fresh cutting, and consolidation, all of which contributed to making the land more stable and productive.

Overall, CARLEP’s interventions in land management across eastern Bhutan have brought about significant positive transformations in rural agricultural communities. Farmers are now better equipped to engage in mechanized and efficient farming, resulting in increased productivity, enhanced income opportunities, and reduced manual labor. The availability of proper irrigation infrastructure has minimized dependence on rainfall and contributed to more predictable harvest cycles. Moreover, the cultivation of fodder and increased dairy output indicate a move toward more integrated and sustainable farming systems.

Despite notable progress in agricultural development, several challenges remain. One critical issue is the persistent threat of crop damage caused by wild animals. This ongoing human-wildlife conflict poses a significant risk to the sustainability of agricultural gains. Local communities continue to advocate for additional interventions, such as the installation of chain-link fencing, to mitigate these impacts and protect their livelihoods.

Through targeted land management interventions, including mechanization support, irrigation infrastructure development, and terrain modification, CARLEP has significantly enhanced agricultural productivity and livelihoods in these traditionally underserved rural communities. These efforts have contributed to improved food security, increased crop yields, and reduced labor demands, while fostering a gradual shift towards more market-oriented and resilient farming systems. However, despite these advances, persistent challenges- most notably the intensification of human-wildlife conflict- continue to threaten the sustainability of agricultural gains. Addressing these issues through integrated management approaches, such as protective fencing and community-based wildlife mitigation strategies, will be critical for sustaining long-term agricultural development and rural resilience in the region. Continued investment and adaptive policy measures are therefore essential to consolidate progress and support the livelihoods of farming communities in the country.

This story is supported by the commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).