Radhi Gewog in Trashigang is known as the rice bowl of eastern Bhutan for its high rice production. However, a longstanding irrigation water shortage has made it difficult for farmers to continue rice cultivation. Now, a new irrigational water supply project, currently under construction, is expected to help address the issue.
Every summer, Radhi turns scenic with lush green paddy fields stretching across the valley.
However, this picturesque landscape does not always tell a story of abundance.
Farmers here have long faced challenges due to a limited irrigation water supply during the paddy plantation season.
Due to the shortage of irrigation water, some paddy fields are left fallow.
Radhi has 1200 acres of paddy land, with around 875 acres currently under cultivation. The remaining 300 acres are left uncultivated due to irrigation water and labour shortages and wildlife encroachment.
The issue is expected to ease with the construction of the Phagpari and Brakchilo irrigation water supply project underway.
The new irrigation project, stretching 11 kilometres, draws water from three sources. The Department of Agriculture is implementing the project, spending nearly Nu 73 M, with support from the Government of India.
Works to lay pipeline along six kilometres of the stretch have been completed. Similarly, construction of seven water tanks is also complete. Construction of intake structures has yet to begin, as continuous rainfall has made the sites inaccessible. According to the contractor, 55 per cent of the overall work has been completed despite continuous rainfall in the area hampering work progress.
“In April, we prepare for paddy cultivation, with actual cultivation work starting in May. When everyone starts cultivating at the same time, the irrigation water becomes insufficient. Now, with irrigation water supplied from three different sources, it will benefit farmers across all four chiwogs. I hope this will also help increase our paddy production,” said Younten Nima, Kadam Tshogpa in Radhi Gewog.
“Due to water scarcity, farmers in the lower areas had to wait until upper areas completed their paddy plantation. The new irrigation water supply will benefit us greatly. Earlier, farmers had to walk along the irrigation channels to clear water diversion and blockages. Now, with water tanks constructed, we will have a better water supply and hopefully avoid disagreements among farmers,” added Pelden, a resident of Radhi Gewog.
Radhi produces about 1,850 metric tonnes of rice annually from the areas currently under cultivation. The new irrigation project is expected to increase production further.
The construction of the irrigation project began towards the end of last year and is scheduled to be completed by April next year.
Gewog Agriculture Extension officials said the new irrigation project will benefit farmers across Radhi except those in Tongling Chiwog.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
