Farmers in the lower parts of Kheri-Saling and Tsigtum Chiwogs in Trashigang’s Bidung Gewog are struggling with a severe shortage of irrigation water to transplant paddy. While water scarcity has been an ongoing issue, the situation has worsened this year due to poor rainfall, drying water sources and an increasing number of users. Around 100 households are waiting for rain to start paddy cultivation on nearly 75 acres of land.
The Jangkhari stream is a lifeline for nearly three chiwogs in Bidung Gewog, providing water for both drinking and paddy cultivation.
During the paddy cultivation season, the stream is diverted to irrigate fields, often leading to water shortages in the lower parts of the village.
This year, the situation has become worse due to poor rainfall and drying water sources.
Farmers are now taking turns using the limited water. Some have even resorted to using drinking water for irrigation, while others have seen their fields dry up.
With not enough water for irrigation, some paddy fields have dried, and a few farmers have not been able to begin cultivation at all.
“Firstly, we need water to prepare the fields and grow the paddy saplings. Everything has to be done within a certain time, or it affects the harvest. But this year, due to the lack of water and rainfall, we haven’t been able to finish the work on time,” said Neten Dorji, a Resident, Bidung Gewog, Trashigang.
“This year, I don’t think I can give my harvest to the landowner because I had to leave some land uncultivated due to the water shortage. I managed to prepare a few plots, but some are still left idle. Now, even my saplings have dried up. I am really worried about how I will be able to manage the paddy cultivation,” said Dawa, another Resident, Bidung Gewog, Trashigang.
“With the government’s support, I developed my land, but this year I won’t be able to cultivate due to a lack of water. Some people near the water sources have managed to cultivate using drinking water, but land farther away has been left idle,” said Tshewang, also a Resident, Bidung Gewog, Trashigang.
Although the gewog administration provided pipelines and carried out drainage maintenance last year, the issue persists.
“We have completed the initial survey and cost estimate for the water supply project with the help of engineers. However, we still need to discuss a few things with Phongmey and Shongphu gewogs. Only then can we look for a budget and begin the project,” said Chador Phuntsho, Bidung Gup, Trashigang.
He added that although they had planned the project, they couldn’t start it due to budget constraints, as it required a huge amount of funding. However, they are currently working on the groundwork for the project preparation.
Last year, with support from CARLEP, the gewog carried out pipeline installation and maintenance work worth 2.1 million ngultrum.
Despite these efforts, around 75 acres of land belonging to 100 households are still facing irrigation water shortages, making paddy cultivation difficult.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
