𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠’𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

By Kezang Choden

In a groundbreaking collaboration between the livestock, agriculture, and engineering sectors, local farmers in Yangnyer Gewog, Trashigang Dzongkhag, have breathed new life into Tshowoong Poktor Land. Initially managed by a local youth group under a Land Use Certificate (LUC) in 2018, the land had been abandoned after facing significant challenges, including water shortages, poor road access, and management issues. However, the new initiative seeks to restore the land by introducing high-yield cattle and crops.

What was once a struggling farm has now become a symbol of rural transformation—a place where hard work meets opportunity, tradition embraces innovation, and every harvest uplifts the community. In a bold move to harness the region’s potential, four pioneering farmers have launched an innovative project, setting four key farming activities into motion: dairy farming, poultry farming, high-yield fruit plantations, and sustainable agriculture. This diversified approach is primarily aimed at strengthening food security while establishing a reliable hub for livestock and agricultural products. The farmers believe these activities will boost local production and create lasting economic opportunities for the community.

The project is expected to attract further investments and encourage similar ventures in the agricultural sector.
Dzongdag Ugyen Dorji has announced a new initiative aimed at inspiring local youth to engage in agriculture and livestock farming through the allocation of LUCs. The government is not only providing access to essential facilities but also facilitating loans through the Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) to support the program.
“Nine acres of land have been set aside as a beacon of rural transformation and a place where hard work meets opportunity,” Dorji stated. Since 2023, significant improvements have been made in road and water maintenance, and plans are underway to launch a high-yield fruit plantation by mid-year. The initiative focuses on local economic development through sustainable farming practices.

Dorji explained that while the focus remains on promoting ethical and resilient agriculture, farmers are being regularly advised about the risks associated with forest fires, the region’s primary environmental threat. To mitigate this risk, a fire line is being established to safeguard the community’s assets and natural resources.
Additionally, the region is set to receive a new 1.4-kilometer farm road, improving transportation between rural areas and markets, which will further bolster local economic growth. The program not only seeks to modernize farming practices but also aims to empower the younger generation to drive rural progress.

In a significant shift from traditional farming, local farmers are expanding their focus to high-yield fruit plantations. The initiative aims to cultivate premium-quality fruits, enhancing both nutrition and income opportunities while strengthening the country’s commitment to organic and resilient agricultural practices. With growing concerns over food security and reliance on imported agricultural products, farmers are adopting sustainable farming techniques to boost domestic production.

By prioritizing high-value fruit cultivation, farmers hope to reduce dependency on foreign imports and promote self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector. Beyond economic benefits, the initiative is expected to contribute to improved dietary diversity, with fresh, locally grown fruits enhancing nutrition and promoting healthier eating habits.
Suraj Gurung, Assistant Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer (ADAO) of Trashigang, noted that the project will include chain-linked fencing and other infrastructure improvements to support sustainable agricultural practices. “The previous attempt to establish the farm failed due to several challenges, including unreliable water supply and mismanagement of funds,” he said.

Gurung explained that poor access roads, lacking proper base coursing and drainage, were one of the primary reasons for the earlier failure. These roads became impassable during the summer months. Frequent disruptions in water supply also severely impacted farming activities, compounded by financial mismanagement, which demotivated members and ultimately led to their withdrawal from the project.

The redevelopment plan includes an estimated budget of Nu 919,500 for establishing the dairy component, Nu 145,000 for crop cultivation, and Nu 100,000 for poultry housing, feeding, and nutrition. An additional Nu 58.75 million has been allocated for road and drainage restoration, while Nu 8.32 million is earmarked for water pipeline restoration. These investments are expected to ensure the long-term success of the LUC farm and provide economic opportunities for the local community.

The LUC project in Yangnyer Gewog, initiated in 2018 under the Royal Command of His Majesty, has evolved to ensure long-term sustainability and youth engagement in productive livelihoods. Duptho, the Gup of Yangnyer Gewog, shared that the project, originally focused solely on agriculture, has now diversified into dairy farming, poultry farming, and high-yield fruit plantations to provide stable income for youth participants and ensure the project’s longevity.

“Now, more than just a farm, Tshowoong Poktor stands as a beacon of accomplishment and hope,” Duptho reflected on the initiative’s transformation. He acknowledged that the project initially faced setbacks due to a lack of awareness among the youth regarding soil fertility management. Despite their hard work, the returns from traditional farming were insufficient to support them financially, leading many to leave the project.

With the introduction of diversified farming activities, the LUC project in Yangnyer Gewog is better positioned to provide economic security and strengthen the local agricultural economy.
Despite access to agricultural platforms and resources, many youths in the region face difficulties in generating a sustainable income due to a lack of proper management strategies and technical expertise. Without effective planning and guidance, they struggle to maximize yields, which leads to financial challenges and makes it difficult to reinvest in farming ventures.

Tenzin Wangmo, a resident of Yangnyer Gewog, shared the struggles of a local farming project that once had 15 active members. “The project struggled from the start due to water shortages, poor soil fertility, and a lack of proper fencing,” Wangmo explained. She worked on the project from 2018 to 2024 but ultimately had to stop due to persistent challenges. She recalled how the deteriorating road conditions made transportation of produce and inputs nearly impossible, and how long walks to fetch water added to the frustrations.

Yeshi Dorji, a former member of a promising LUC project, also shared the difficulties faced. The project, located in a forested area, was frequently disturbed by wildlife, and the nearest water source was 12 kilometers away. Despite efforts to manage these challenges, such as building temporary shelters, a forest fire destroyed their makeshift sheds. Dorji expressed frustration at the lack of support and resources, which ultimately led to the project’s collapse.

In a positive development, 30 cows are currently being raised on Tshowoong Poktor Land to boost milk production. Thinley Rinzin, an active participant in dairy farming, stated that this initiative offers a significant opportunity for establishing dairy farming as a sustainable livelihood. “The farm will not only enhance local dairy production but also enable the supply of pure dairy products to other dzongkhags,” Rinzin noted. The group is working to improve farming practices by sourcing high-yield, disease-resistant cattle breeds like Jersey and Holstein Friesian, which will minimize disease risks.

Yangnyer Gewog’s poultry sector is also set for significant expansion following a grant of Nu 1 million from the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Program (CARLEP). Local poultry farmer Kintu is expanding his operation by constructing two additional poultry sheds, with a combined capacity of 3,000 hens. Kintu emphasized the importance of reducing egg imports to strengthen local production. “If egg imports are reduced, our locally produced eggs will find a strong market, benefiting both farmers and consumers,” he said.

The revitalization of Tshowoong Poktor Land marks a significant milestone in rural development, with efforts from local farmers, government initiatives, and infrastructure improvements working together to ensure long-term agricultural success. With investments from CARLEP and the Government of India, the region is poised to become a hub of sustainable farming, offering new opportunities for youth, improving local food security, and contributing to the overall economic well-being of the community.