After a two-year halt, farmers in Tsirang’s Sergithang Toed Chiwog have resumed paddy transplantation. Thanks to the restoration of their irrigation channel. The channel was previously damaged by a flash flood.
Most farmers have already completed paddy transplantation, with only a few expected to complete it in the coming days.
The restored irrigation channel is benefiting 34 households irrigating over 160 acres of both wetland and dry land.
Farmers said this would help them reduce their reliance on imported rice, ultimately saving some money.
Tashi Gyeltshen, a farmer said, “The government has spent a huge amount to construct the irrigation channel. Buying rice is expensive.”
Phub Zam, another farmer said, “We did not face water shortage this year. The rice we grow on our wetland will be enough for at least three to four months.”
Likewise, Nado said “We can reduce our dependence on imported rice. Since its completion, the irrigation water has been benefiting us without any problem.”
The Tsirang district administration restored the irrigation channel using concrete and pipes, with the funding support from the Green Climate Fund. Today, farmers of Sergithang Toed are hopeful for better yields and improved food security due to the availability of irrigation water.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
