In recent years, the rice farmers of Radhi Gewog in Trashigang, popularly known as the rice bowl of the east, have been seeing an increase in the production. From over 1,900 metric tons of rice in 2015, the yield increase to 2,500 metric tons last year.
This year, the gewog is expected to produce more than 2,500 metric tons of rice from over 1,200 acres of paddy fields.
With the start of the harvesting season, farmers are reaping the fruits of their hard work.
Having blessed with a timely rainfall during paddy transplantation and a favourable weather at the ongoing harvesting season, farmers are expecting a bountiful yield.
The gewog also provided pipes to the farmers to connect irrigation water to their paddy fields.
“With the irrigation facilities the yield has been increasing over the years,” Dechen Choden, said.
“If there is enough water, we can harvest about 1,800 kilograms from 25 decimals of paddy field. But when there is a water shortage, the yield decreases to half,” Phurpa Dorji, said.
About three varieties of rice are grown in Radhi.
Meanwhile, with the increase in the price of the rice from Nu 65 to 70 a kilogram, people are also expecting a better income.
