Farmers of Thasa and Kompa chiwogs of Dagana’s Laja Gewog will finally have access to reliable irrigation water starting this year. The irrigation water scheme for the two chiwogs is nearing completion. This is expected to boost agricultural production, especially rice yield and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Farmers in Thasa Chiwog are currently busy threshing paddy grown mostly using rainwater and a small water source meant for drinking purposes.
Farming has been a challenge due to inadequate irrigation water in the community. Some of them were forced to grow other crops like maize in wetlands.
However, things are bound to change for good. The upcoming irrigation scheme will benefit 28 households providing them with an uninterrupted irrigation water supply.
This will encourage them to continue paddy cultivation and grow other crops including vegetables, and fruits.
“Access to irrigation water was a serious problem in the chiwog. As a result, we cannot do farm work on time resulting in reduced production. We are expecting that the ongoing irrigation water will benefit us immensely boosting agricultural production,” said Migma Dorji, a farmer.
“We wouldn’t be able to grow paddy if we don’t have the existing drinking water source. Thanks to rainwater last year, we were able to transplant paddy on time. However, less rainfall following the transplantation damaged paddy saplings resulting in poor rice production this year,” said Tegomo, another farmer.
“We are ready to work hard if we get reliable irrigation water. The lack of irrigation water has been our only challenge so far. With a farm road already in place, the new irrigation water will not only increase agricultural production but also enable us to grow more fruit trees and maintain hygiene,” said Khandu, also a farmer.
The irrigation scheme, which was initially designed for Thasa Chiwog will also help irrigate over 50 acres of farmland belonging to over 15 households in Kompa Chiwog.
The Department of Water is initiating the irrigation scheme worth Nu 41.8 M with funding support from the Adaptation Fund coordinated by the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Phub Gyem
