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Farm road construction on track

8 November 2009

Sir,
This is in response to the article “Farm road construction needs rethinking” by Jigme Tshering that was published in your October 30-November 6, 2009 Issue. I would like to thank him for sharing his concerns on farm road development programme.
Realizing that that there are many issues related to farm road programme we organized a workshop in May 2008, where we invited participants from all stakeholders.
Many issues, similar to his concerns, emerged during the workshop. Based on all these we have started with the following interventions: i) We have revised the old farm road guideline and come out with the Guideline for Farm Road Development 2009. Some of the important changes are the increase of carriageway to 3.5 m, compulsory drainage throughout the length of the road, providing sub-base course wherever it is necessary i.e it will be based on the gradient of the stretch and soil condition of the subgrade. In addition, it is made mandatory to conduct basic social, environmental and geotechnical feasibility studies prior to construction of a road.
ii) In addition we now also have a set of Farm Road Maintenance Manual, 2009. From a plan period of experience, we have realised the importance of maintenance. In the past, we expected that once a road is completed and handed over to the communities, they would be in position to maintain it. There were no guidelines and provisions for their trainings and how to do the maintenance. The current manual integrates ways and means to deal with these issues.
iii) Further, we now have a set of technical specifications, and technical guideline for the benefit of engineers involved in farm road constructions.
This would serve as a reference for the engineers to maintain farm road standards. Finally, we are looking ahead for road user groups formation and community mobilization for maintenance of farm roads.
By Tenzin Department of Agriculture

Sir,

This is in response to the article “Farm road construction needs rethinking” by Jigme Tshering that was published in your October 30-November 6, 2009 Issue. I would like to thank him for sharing his concerns on farm road development programme.

Realizing that that there are many issues related to farm road programme we organized a workshop in May 2008, where we invited participants from all stakeholders.

Many issues, similar to his concerns, emerged during the workshop. Based on all these we have started with the following interventions: i) We have revised the old farm road guideline and come out with the Guideline for Farm Road Development 2009. Some of the important changes are the increase of carriageway to 3.5 m, compulsory drainage throughout the length of the road, providing sub-base course wherever it is necessary i.e it will be based on the gradient of the stretch and soil condition of the subgrade. In addition, it is made mandatory to conduct basic social, environmental and geotechnical feasibility studies prior to construction of a road.

ii) In addition we now also have a set of Farm Road Maintenance Manual, 2009. From a plan period of experience, we have realised the importance of maintenance. In the past, we expected that once a road is completed and handed over to the communities, they would be in position to maintain it. There were no guidelines and provisions for their trainings and how to do the maintenance. The current manual integrates ways and means to deal with these issues.

iii) Further, we now have a set of technical specifications, and technical guideline for the benefit of engineers involved in farm road constructions.

This would serve as a reference for the engineers to maintain farm road standards. Finally, we are looking ahead for road user groups formation and community mobilization for maintenance of farm roads.

By Tenzin
Department of Agriculture

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