Mr. Ugyen Gyeltshen has over eight years of experience serving as an Agriculture Extension Supervisor in Tareythang and Samtenling Gewog under Sarpang Dzongkhag. Currently, he serves the Soil Fertility Program under NSSC and provides technical support related to soil and plant nutrients. His ongoing research focuses on assessing the impacts of potato farming soil management practices on the Wetlands of Phobjikha-Gangtey Valley, with an emphasis on improving agricultural sustainability and productivity in these areas.
Impact of Arecanut Plantation on Farming System and Livelihood: A Case Study of Chhuzanggang Gewog, Sarpang
Ugyen Gyeltshen 1 and Tenzin Wangchuk 1
Chhuzanggang, a region with a favourable climate for the cultivation of various essential food crops, primarily uses its available land for arecanut cultivation. However, the implications of increased plantations of arecanut are left unknown to many. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the impact of arecanut plantations on the farming system and livelihood in the area. The survey used a multi-stage sampling method: purposive, proportionate, and simple random. A sample of 177 (n=30%) households was chosen from a total population of 389 households, and the data on different types of crop production was analysed to determine achievement of food self-sufficiency, per capita income, land allocation for crop cultivation, the richness of crop diversity, and perception on impact and factors influencing arecanut plantations. Three distinct farm types were identified based on the percentage of land allocated to arecanut plantations. These are (I) Low Arecanut Coverage (LAC) (defined as <25% land usage; n=44, 38%), (ii) Medium Arecanut Coverage (MAC) (defined as 25% to 75% land usage; n=62, 53%) and (iii) High Arecanut Coverage (HAC) (defined as >75% land usage; n=11, 9%). The study revealed households with the highest portion of land allocated to arecanut plantations have the lowest calorific fulfilment of 14.58%. However, they were found to have the highest income per capita of 8.21$PPP day -1 person -1 , suggesting that while food self-sufficiency may be impacted, farmers can remain food secure. Crop diversity was also observed to decrease with an increase in arecanut plantations; SDI score of 0.16 was recorded, indicating low diversity. Although arecanut cultivation has significantly contributed to economic growth, its expansion has affected practices of the diversified farming system. This study acknowledges the need for further research on the impact of increased arecanut production on household dietary habits and crop performance under arecanut plantations.