Water availability and accessibility are the most significant constraining factors for crop production. And addressing this issue has become indispensable for vegetable groups in Pemathang Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar. Farmers planted more chilli this season after the summer harvest earned them good returns. But the water shortage is worrying the farmers.
Raling vegetable group, with 19 members, cultivated more than 1,500 kilograms of chillies and earned about Nu 400,000. But with the drying water sources in the winter season, members said water will not be sufficient.
“During the winter, water becomes scarce. We have requested the government for another irrigation channel as we are planning to produce chillies for all seasons. And if possible, we are planning to export chillies to other dzongkhags as well,” said Sangay, a farmer of Pemathang.
“Without water, it is difficult to cultivate chillies. We are not the only ones confronted with this challenge. With the import of chillies banned and the government providing its support, we are working hard. But without enough water, all our hard work would be wasted,” said Choki Gyeltshen, another farmer.
However, according to dzongkhag agriculture officials, the agriculture sector has more than Nu 54 M to provide additional water supply to Pemathang gewog for agricultural purposes.
Chorten Gyeltshen, the dzongkhag agriculture officer said that for now, the water supply is enough. But he said the only worry is the unreliable water source.
“But the current water source is not reliable, it may dry up. So we have supplied water pipes and other materials to bring in water from Wangphu Chhu. Villagers have to contribute manpower,” he added.
More than 900 households in Samdrup Jongkhar have taken up chilli cultivation in about 134 acres of land for this winter. They are expecting to produce over100 metric tonnes of chillies.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
