In Samdrup Jongkhar, some villagers of Chongtey and Mitsigshing in Orong Gewog are back in their paddy fields, transplanting rice after more than a decade. They stopped rice farming almost 13 years ago after a farm road construction work damaged their irrigation channel, leaving the fields dry. They depended entirely on imported rice since. Now, with water flowing again, they’re working to grow enough for self-consumption.
Paddy fields in Chongtey and Mitsigshing villages, which were once left barren, will once again turn lush green. Farmers are busy transplanting paddy saplings.
The revival became possible after the Orong Gewog Administration restored the damaged irrigation channel earlier this year, following repeated appeals from the villagers.
The villagers say growing their own rice can cut down their household expenses and reduce dependence on imported rice.
“The government has supported us by restoring the irrigation channel, so we are happy to cultivate rice again. They are also providing power tillers on a cost-sharing basis. I could not get one this year, but if they provide it next year, I am willing to buy one,” said Cheni Dema, Resident, Orong Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Until now, we depended on imported rice, but it is not good to keep depending on it. So, we decided to grow our own rice this year. Maybe other villagers will also start to follow suit. We are getting enough water now as it is supplied through pipes,” said Sangay Rinzin, Resident, Orong Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
We have not cultivated rice for more than a decade. Now that the irrigation channel is restored, we are very happy to transplant paddy again. I bought a power tiller on loan, and it has helped me, making it easier for both men and women to work in the fields,” said Jigme Dorji, Resident, Orong Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
The Orong Gewog Administration restored the irrigation channel, spending Nu 500,000 while villagers contributed labour.
Orong Gup said the villagers resumed rice cultivation on around four acres of land this season. He added that the gewog administration is encouraging more villagers to grow rice by ensuring support for the interested households.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
