Several households of Orong Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar will not have to depend on imported rice soon. They will resume rice cultivation after more than a decade following the restoration of the long-awaited irrigation channel.
With the restoration of the irrigation channel recently, the sound of ploughs scraping earth and water trickling through channels will return to about seven acres of fields in Chongtey and Mitsigshing villages.
Seven households are preparing to transplant paddy this season, something they have not done since 2012.
Tashi Tshering, a resident said “We are planning to cultivate paddy. If we work hard, we do not have to buy rice and spend money. Compared to the past, it will be easier as we have a power tiller. If we do not do it now, our children might never take it up. We are working hard.”
Tshering Pema, another resident said “The price of imported rice increases every year. It is 1,800 ngultrum for 50 kilogrammes. I think it is better if we can cultivate on our own.”
Likewise, Tenzin Chenzom said “If we cultivate paddy, we do not have to buy rice. We will be cultivating for self-consumption. It is difficult when we have to depend on imported rice, as we have to pay.”
The gewog administration spent Nu 500,000 on the restoration, while villagers contributed labour.
About two kilometres of the pipeline have been laid, and tanks have been constructed at the water source to ensure a steady and reliable supply.
With water flowing again, the benefits go beyond just rice. Villagers now see potential in growing winter vegetables, further enhancing their household food security and diversifying their income sources.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
