For the first time in years, farmers of two chiwogs in Punakha’s Guma Gewog will be able to carry out paddy transplantation without any hindrance this summer. A hybrid solar lift irrigation system, currently under construction, will resolve the shortage of irrigation water these communities have been facing for years.
Acres of wetland in Dochukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa chiwog and Changyul–Lungsilgang–Tashijong chiwog are left fallow every paddy plantation season.
The problem is nothing new. It is the familiar, recurring issue of irrigation water shortage affecting rice growers in most parts of the country.
Several attempts to solve the irrigation water shortage in these two communities have so far failed.
The two chiwogs have around 500 acres of wetland suitable for rice cultivation of which around 75 acres are left fallow every year.
They rely on irrigation water from the source at Nyakulum, which has been declining annually, ultimately affecting production.
Now, their only source of hope is the Mochhu, below the two chiwogs.
The government is installing a hybrid solar lift irrigation system at Dzomlingthang, which will pump water about two kilometres uphill to the Nyakulum source.
From there, water will flow through the existing channel to the fields. The system can also run on electricity when solar power is unavailable.
Funded by the Government of India at nearly Nu 30 M, the project is being built by a private contractor and is expected to be completed by mid of this month.
“We have full hope that this irrigation water supply will benefit us starting this year. Some people are planning to expand cultivation. Everyone knows how much we have struggled so far due to the shortage of irrigation water. We begin to worry about water supply when the paddy cultivation season arrives, as we have large fields but limited water,” said Dawa Gyeltshen, Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa Tshogpa, Guma Gewog, Punakha.
“We are extremely happy and hope to cultivate more rice this year. I am also planning to sow paddy seeds if water becomes available. Earlier, we faced serious problems during paddy cultivation due to the shortage of irrigation water. Some of our fields used to remain fallow,” said Kinzang Tshering, a farmer, Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa, Guma Gewog, Punakha.
“If there is a reliable water supply, it would help us achieve a good yield. When we get a good harvest, we feel encouraged to continue farming, even in our old age. Seeing the progress of the water supply work is a relief. I visit the work site regularly to check on the progress,” said Kinley Tenzin, another farmer, Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa, Guma Gewog, Punakha.
“Usually, this time of year puts us under extreme stress. Some of us couldn’t even sow paddy seeds for seedlings. But this year, we are extremely happy because the government is providing support for the water supply. Not only will we be able to cultivate paddy this season, but once the irrigation system is in place, we can grow other crops throughout the year. Until now, our work was limited due to the shortage of water,” said Anim, also a farmer, Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa, Guma Gewog, Punakha.
The water supply system will also encourage farmers in these chiwogs to engage in winter cropping and large-scale vegetable cultivation.
With the new irrigation system, farmers can finally look forward to a reliable water supply, higher yields, and the chance to expand cultivation beyond paddy fields.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Phub Gyem
