In Bongo Gewog’s Meritsemo village in Chhukha, farmers are grappling with yet another year of hardship as delayed monsoon rains have left paddy fields barren. For decades, farmers have been relying solely on rainfall, with no irrigation system in place.
The wait for rain has turned into a season of despair in Meritsemo Village. Without timely rainfall, their paddy fields have been left dry and empty.
Unable to cultivate paddy, some farmers have turned to maize, while others now plant millet and other crops just to make ends meet.
Although it rained in recent days, farmers say it’s already too late. The crucial planting season has passed, along with their main source of income.
“Water issue is nothing new. It has been persistent. All these lands are for paddy cultivation, and we have waited a lot. There has not been enough rain. Usually, it rains on time but this year, rainfall is scarce. So, we are now planting millet,” said Kinley, Farmer, Meritsemo Village, Bongo Gewog, Chhukha.
“The biggest problem here is water. People are suffering a lot. We depend on rainfall for paddy cultivation but there is no enough rain this year. So, lands have been kept barren. People who can afford it will buy rice, and those who don’t have money have to work for others to be able to buy rice for consumption,” said Paley, Farmer, Meritsemo Village, Bongo Gewog, Chhukha.
“Water issue has been persistent. The government has also implemented projects to bring irrigation water, but the landscape has been a challenge. Lands are located on top of a hill, and the water sources are located below,” said Tshering Penjor, Bongo Gup, Chhukha.
The gup said there is a major plan to bring irrigation water to Meritsemo, using the same source that was used in the past for irrigation.
“Earlier, I believe the funding for the project was insufficient. However, we have now allocated adequate funds to ensure its progress. I’m not fully aware of the details of the previous project, but it seems there were some lapses and issues with the quality of work. Although irrigation water did reach the area once, it couldn’t be sustained,” said Tshering Penjor, Bongo Gup, Chhukha.
Farmers say the water shortage has been a long-standing issue. They say if not for the water shortage, they could grow all kinds of crops and vegetables.
Now, with a new irrigation project on the horizon, there is a hope, a hope that they can once again cultivate paddy and restore their livelihoods.
But for now, all they can do is wait with eyes on the sky and hearts heavy, hoping the rains or a reliable solution will one day revive their land and livelihoods.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
