For once, paddy farmers in Punakha are not racing against time or fighting for water. The timely rainfall this time is helping farmers in Dawakha chiwog of Toewang Gewog to joyfully carry out their paddy plantation, unlike in previous years when water shortages disrupted their work, affecting yield.
Almost 70 per cent of the paddy plantation task has now been completed in the chiwog.
Farmers say that only around 30 per cent would have been completed by this time if not for the timely rainfall and abundant irrigation water.
Farmers are still busy in their fields; some are planting paddy, while others are preparing for the plantation.
They usually start paddy plantation by early June, which often stretches till the end of July due to inadequate irrigation water supply.
Despite having an irrigation water supply from Kariloom, farmers still depend on rainfall, as they have to share the irrigation water with other communities.
“The rainfall has been extremely favourable this time. While excessive rain can lead to flooding, we have received normal and timely rainfall so far. As of today, we have completed around 70 per cent of our paddy cultivation without conflict with our neighbours. Unlike in the past, we did not have to seek help from the Gewog or District Administration,” said Tawchu, a farmer who is hopeful for a good yield.
Kinley Tenzin, another farmer said, “So far, I have completed paddy plantation on four plots. I am hoping to finish the remaining work soon, mid-next month.”
Locals say the adequate water supply this time has allowed the community to carry out plantation peacefully, unlike in the past, where water shortages even led to conflicts and disharmony among communities.
“This time, we expect to complete our work ahead of time. Even our vegetables used to dry up in the past and get infested by pests due to a lack of water. We’ve been able to grow and sell fresh vegetables,” said Pema Zangmo, a farmer.
“Paddy plantation becomes quite convenient when there is a sufficient irrigation water supply. Earlier, when we did not have sufficient water, we used to spend the entire night at the water distribution sites and still not get enough water to irrigate even one terrace of paddy field,” added Kado, a farmer.
The timely rainfall has not only been a blessing for paddy plantations but has also improved vegetable yields. The chiwog has around sixty households growing paddy as a stable crop.
Dawakha chiwog produces around 370 metric tonnes of rice annually from more than 170 acres of wetland.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Phub Gyem
