Farmers from Thomgang and Akhochen chiwogs in Khebisa Gewog, Dagana, can look forward to a reliable irrigation water supply for the upcoming paddy transplantation season. This is because Dagana District Administration is renovating the Narikhachhu irrigation scheme. The previous system faced significant challenges, including leakages and disruptions caused by falling boulders, leading to acute water shortages.
Construction of a 57-cubic-meter irrigation tank at the Narikhachhu source is currently underway, with over 70 per cent of the work already completed. The remaining works, initially scheduled for completion this month, have been extended to March due to additional requirements.
Once completed, the upgraded irrigation scheme will supply adequate water to approximately 140 acres of wetlands, benefiting over 40 households in the two chiwogs.
Farmers have previously struggled with insufficient irrigation, forcing some to leave their wetlands fallow for years. With the new system, the situation is expected to improve significantly. Rice, the staple crop of the gewog, will once again thrive in the two chiwogs.
Yeshi, a farmer said, “We have wetlands in two locations. In the upper area, we grow red rice, and in the lower area, white rice. Previously, the irrigation water was insufficient, even for the upper area. Thanks to the government’s support, we will now have enough water for both areas. From next year, we will be able to grow paddy twice a year.”
“Getting adequate irrigation water was a problem, especially for those with larger wetlands. The water was abundant from the source but leakages have reduced the water volume significantly by the time it reaches to our fields. While the minor renovations helped us somewhat over the years, I am now even more hopeful that all wetland owners will not leave their land fallow with adequate irrigation water,” said Dawa Zam, another farmer.
The site engineer from the Dagana District Administration confirmed that once commissioned, the irrigation water will also be tested for drinking purposes.
The Narikhachhu irrigation scheme, renovated at a cost of around Nu 2.1 M and funded by the Green Climate Fund, aims to ensure not just self-sufficiency in rice production but also sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the area.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Kipchu
