Most of the arable lands remain fallow in Zham village under Minjey Gewog in Lhuentse due to a lack of adequate irrigation water. But this is expected to change with the ongoing construction of the Longorchu irrigation water scheme. The Nu 32 M worth project under the DeSuung National Service will be completed within three months.
About 65 per cent of the construction works are complete as of today. Once complete, it is expected to benefit about 42 households by irrigating nearly 400 acres of dry land and wetland in the village.
“In the past, farmers used to struggle a lot by spending sleepless nights guarding the irrigation water during the paddy cultivation. It used to be a hassle,” said Minjey Gup, Jigme Tenzin Zangpo.
“It takes about three days to clear the irrigation channel and another couple of days to reach the field. And due to inadequate irrigation water, farmers have to wait for about three days to get their share of water,” said Amdrangchhu Zham Tshogpa, Thinley Gyatsho.
Awaiting the project’s completion, the farmers are expecting to boost the production of rice and other crops.
“Once the project is complete, we are hopeful that farmers will no longer have to be awake guarding the irrigation water and are looking forward to getting a bountiful harvest,” added the Minjey Gup.
“Due to water shortage, we often land up arguing and fighting with other farmers. If there is adequate irrigation water then those who left for the capital will also return to the village to take up farming,” said Pema Tenzin, a farmer.
The six-month project was supposed to complete by the end of February this year. But it got delayed due to the pandemic, maintenance of the approach road and frequent breakdown of machines at the site.
Sonam Tshering, Lhuentse
Edited by Sonam Pem
