𝐔𝐝𝐳𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐩 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐏

…𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒚𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏

By Sonam Choden

Agricultural development remains central to rural progress, especially in communities where subsistence farming is the main source of livelihood. In Udzorong, targeted interventions through CARLEP have led to measurable improvements in farming practices and productivity. These interventions include hybrid seed trials, maintenance of irrigation systems, training, and infrastructure support.

Over the past two years, a total of 27.33 acres of land in Udzorong were brought under cultivation. During the fiscal year 2019 to 2020, 19.50 acres were developed, consisting of 2.32 acres of wetland and 17.18 acres of dry land. In 2020 to 2021, an additional 7.83 acres were developed, which included 2.84 acres of wetland and 4.99 acres of dry land.
Among the most significant developments was the provision of chain link fencing. Prior to this, electric fencing had been used, but it offered limited protection and did not last long. The chain link fencing has reduced crop damage caused by wild animals, allowing farmers to work more confidently and consistently.

The main crop cultivated in the area is maize, which is grown mostly for household consumption. Surplus produce is sold in the local market. The maize currently grown is a hybrid variety introduced by the Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Wengkhar, as part of a seed trial project. In addition to maize, farmers also grow chilli, onion, potato, and tomato, enabling them to meet both dietary needs and market demands.

The maize seed project is currently in its second year of trial. The goal is to produce viable hybrid seeds that can eventually be sold to the National Seed Centre and, if successful, distributed to other districts. A shared field has been subdivided among farmers for this purpose, with a strong emphasis on communal responsibility.

“The chain link fencing has really made a difference. Earlier, we were constantly afraid of wild animals destroying our crops. Now, we can work in the fields without fear,” said Yeshi, the Tshokpa of Udzorong. His statement reflects the broader transformation taking place in the village as a result of support from the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP).

Tenzin Dema, a 56-year-old farmer, spoke of the change in her income. “Last season, I made about Nu. 32,000 from selling vegetables,” she said. “This was not possible before. Now I am able to buy better food and household items. My living standard has improved.” Her experience shows the economic impact of the programme and how it is helping farmers move from subsistence to semi-commercial farming.

The hybrid maize seed project involves detailed work, such as managing male and female seed plants separately to avoid cross-pollination. To support this, training has been provided to the farmers. The technical knowledge shared through these sessions is aimed at improving the quality of seed production.

Pema, another 56-year-old farmer, shared how the training helped him. “I didn’t know before how important it is to separate male and female seeds to prevent cross-pollination. Now I know how to do that, and I feel confident in what I am doing. Also, with the fencing, it’s much better. I don’t have to worry about wild animals anymore.”

The Agriculture Extension Officer in Udzorong, Narayan Subba, has played an active role in facilitating these improvements. He explained that CARLEP support has not only focused on crop protection but also on improving irrigation infrastructure. “This is going to address the water shortage problem that has affected farmers here before,” he said. He also noted that the seed trial results have been positive. “The seed that was produced last year was used for this year’s plantation, and it has shown good results in terms of yield and plant vigor.”

The motivation among community members to make the most of the available support is clearly visible. Farmer Nima Tenzin remarked, “I will continue working hard. The government has given us this support, and we must make good use of it. I don’t need to buy vegetables anymore, I can grow enough for my family.”

Another farmer, Sangay Tenzin, shared a similar outlook. “Right now, I don’t face any major problems. With the training and the seeds provided, I am hopeful for a better future. In the future, I want to do farming on my own land, individually.” His aspirations reflect a shift from collective to individual farming as knowledge and confidence grow among farmers.

The case of Udzorong shows how targeted agricultural support such as fencing, improved irrigation, hybrid seed trials, and technical training can support rural development. The ongoing seed cultivation project, if successful, may open the path for Udzorong to contribute to the national seed supply chain. This would not only enhance food security but also support broader economic participation from the region.

While challenges remain in sustaining and scaling these efforts, Udzorong offers an example of how rural communities can benefit from coordinated agricultural programmes. Continued support in both technical capacity and infrastructure will be essential to maintaining the progress achieved so far. As farmers in Udzorong continue to build on these gains, their experience may serve as a reference for similar initiatives in other parts of 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).