Despite limited rainfall, farmers of four chiwogs in Pemathang are successfully cultivating their paddy fields. This is made possible by the Omshari irrigation channel, constructed under the DeSuung National Service water project. The irrigation channel is providing a reliable water source, helping rice farming and achieving food self-sufficiency for the villagers.
The rainfall has been scarce in Pemathang’s Raling Chiwog. However, the irrigation water this time is abundant, and the mood amongst the farmers is upbeat and hopeful.
Farmers have been cultivating paddy across more than 182 acres of fields, over the past few weeks, mostly without any problems.
Unlike in the past, the farmers no longer have to rely on erratic rainfall or face delays due to water shortages.
A similar scene can be seen in Pemathang, Khathubdang-Shiling Gye, and Chirtsosa-Lungminang chiwogs.
For many farmers, cultivating rice is not just about achieving food self-sufficiency; it is also a source of income.
The Omshari irrigation channel, constructed in 2023, has transformed farming in the gewog.
“After the construction of the Omshari irrigation channel, it has become easier to get water for irrigation. We also grow vegetables. Without Omshari, cultivating paddy would not be possible. The old Warong irrigation channel was not enough and often got damaged,” said Dorji Wangmo, a farmer.
Yozer Tenzin, another farmer said, “Omshari has benefited us a lot. The old irrigation channel used to be small and often ran dry. But now, even if the old channel gets damaged, we still have the Omshari irrigation channel to rely on.”
“It has helped us a lot. During the paddy season, we can grow rice without worry, and in winter, we cultivate vegetables and even use the water for livestock. The old irrigation channel was not enough, especially with many households,” added Pema Wangdi, a farmer.
According to the Pemathang Gewog Administration, rice production has increased since the completion of the Omshari irrigation channel.
In 2023, farmers harvested around 750 metric tonnes of rice-equivalent to about 75 truckloads. Last year, the yield increased to roughly 95 truckloads.
The Omshari irrigation channel was constructed with around Nu 95 M.
Besides supporting paddy cultivation, the channel provides water for growing winter vegetables and areca nut. The water is also used for drinking purposes.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
