Though Zhemgang contributed less than two per cent to the country’s total paddy production in 2021, works are underway to increase the production capacity of the farmers. A new reliable and climate-resilient irrigation water facility at Takabi Village in Trong Gewog has finally put an end to the farmer’s irrigation water woes. If this pilot project is successful, there are plans to replicate it in other parts of the district.
Paddy fields in Takabi village were once left fallow for many years due to a shortage of irrigation water. But not anymore. They are filled with adequate water, thanks to the recently completed Takabi Irrigation Scheme.
Famers of Takabi and Tama villages have just begun their paddy transplantation. Farmers are delighted at the prospect of a bountiful harvest this year without having to rely on rainwater as in the past.
“Unlike in the past, this time we have sufficient water to transplant our paddy because of the new irrigation water scheme. In the past, we used to keep these fields fallow. Now we can see that many are cultivating paddy again,” said Cheychey, a resident.
“In the past, we had to share the small drinking water for household consumption as well as cultivation. Now that we have a big water supply, it would definitely benefit us in cultivating all sorts of vegetables and crops,” said Tseltrim Tharchen, another resident.
“A few years ago, we tried to build an irrigation channel but it was unsuccessful. But now with the new irrigation scheme, if people take turns to irrigate their fields, it looks like there will be enough water for everyone,” said Mendru.
And the parents have got helping hands. With schools closed for the summer break, students can be seen helping their parents in transplanting paddy.
“What I do during my summer break is, right after my vacation starts, I help my parents in preparing paddy fields for transplantation,” said Tashi Wangmo, a student.
“I do not find working on farms that difficult as I have been doing it since I was very young,” said Yangchen Lhamo, another student.
According to agriculture officials, the irrigation channel will distribute water to all the fields unlike in the past.
The four-kilometre-long irrigation system from Yangdigang to Takabi worth over Nu 9 M is funded by the Green Climate Fund. It will benefit about 55 households and irrigate about 60 acres of land.
Takabi village is seen as one of the villages with the potential to produce crops and vegetables all season long in Zhemgang. And accordingly, people are planning to cultivate all the arable fallow lands in the village.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Kipchu
