Farmers of Rekhey chiwog in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Dewathang Gewog are looking forward to a better paddy harvest this season. After years of struggling with an ageing irrigation channel, major maintenance works have restored a reliable water supply to the fields. Rekhey is the only chiwog that cultivates paddy in Dewathang Gewog.
Following major maintenance on the 30-year-old irrigation channel, water is now flowing steadily to the paddy fields.
Farmers say the improved irrigation will help them cultivate their fields on time and reduce the risk of crop losses due to water shortages.
About two kilometres of the old irrigation channel has been replaced with a concrete-lined channel and pipelines.
“Now we have enough water. Earlier, we lost a lot of water through seepage. The irrigation channel was maintained this year, and I hope the water will be sufficient throughout the paddy cultivation season,” said Tenjay, a resident of Rekhey.
Another resident Tempai, said, “After the irrigation channel was repaired, we have enough water. Now, we receive the same amount of water that is released from the source.”
“By cultivating paddy, we don’t have to buy rice from India. So, water is very important. This year, I think we will have enough water,” said Kinzang, also a resident.
According to the Rekhey Chiwog Tshogpa, the restored irrigation channel has revived about three acres of paddy land that had remained uncultivated for years due to water shortages. This year, 20 households are cultivating around 20 acres of paddy fields.
The Samdrup Jongkhar District Agriculture sector spent more than Nu 2 M to maintain the irrigation channel, ensuring a more dependable water supply for farmers.
With adequate water now reaching their fields, farmers are hopeful of a productive season and improved rice harvests in the months ahead.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
