A glimmer of hope now shines on the parched fields of Bhalue Chiwog in Punakha. After years of grappling with unreliable irrigation, farmers will soon benefit from a solar-powered water lift system that draws water from the Mochhu River.
Farmlands will now be irrigated through the Solar Lift Irrigation System. The inauguration for its construction was held yesterday.
The water will be directly supplied to the existing irrigation channel located above the village, approximately one kilometre from the river.
From there, it will be distributed accordingly.
The Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation is funding the project worth over Nu 9.4 M.
Although it is a five-month project, there are plans to complete it ahead of schedule.
A private company is carrying out the construction work.
Jimba Gyeltshen, Chhubu Gup said “Once the solar pump is completed, it will make daily tasks more convenient for villagers, improve their income, and bring greater satisfaction. It will also help address the issue of empty households and encourage residents to stay in the village.”
Thinley Dorji, a resident said “We can work on time if we have sufficient irrigation water. When we work on time, it helps us achieve better yields and we can ultimately earn a better income.”
Namgay Bidha, another resident said “I couldn’t cultivate much paddy due to the water shortage, and we faced similar challenges with growing vegetables. However, I’m now happy to hear that a new water supply will be available. With this development, I plan to expand my farmland for both paddy and vegetable cultivation starting next year.”
Phurba, Bhalue Tshogpa said “No matter how hard we worked, it was all in vain without enough water for our crops. Even when we started early, we ended up harvesting late due to the irrigation water shortage. Others were able to earn a good income when market prices were high, but by the time our produce reached the market, prices had already dropped. So, if this new water supply arrives on time, it will motivate our people to work harder.”
The existing irrigation water source depends on rainfall, which is not reliable.
Residents said the water supply has been declining every year, resulting in insufficient water for agricultural works.
In addition to paddy cultivation, Bhalue is among the top vegetable-producing chiwogs in the district.
The new irrigation water supply will cover 80 acres of paddy fields and 40 acres of dry land in the chiwog.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tshering Zam
