Farmers of Khangma Chiwog in Pema Gatshel’s Yurung Gewog now have a fully operational irrigation scheme to boost agricultural productivity. The gewog received a supplementary budget for the irrigation project. With the additional funds, the entire irrigation system was completed without having to wait for the next financial year.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture and the Pema Gatshel District Administration recently briefed farmers to scale up their farming activities following the completion of the irrigation scheme.
A supplementary budget of Nu 3.8 M had been approved to construct the distribution line for the integrated irrigation water scheme. Initially, the project only received funding for the intake structure and reservoirs.
However, with the additional budget allocation, the full irrigation system, including the distribution line, was completed within the current financial year. This has brought much relief to local farmers, who had feared delays.
“Now, everyone is happy as the water has finally reached their farmland,” said Sangay Wangchuk, a resident of Khangma.
Another resident Meley Wangzin said, “We were worried if the water would reach our fields after it had been connected to the storage tank. But now, the government has provided us with the budget on time, and we are very happy.”
The smart irrigation system will encourage winter crop cultivation in the dry land of Khangma village hereafter.
The project, financed by the Government of India, was recently handed over to the Pema Gatshel District Administration. The Director of the Department of Agriculture and Pema Gatshel Dzongdag visited the site along with beneficiaries.
Melay Wangzin said, “Now, we are glad as we have enough water to use during winter to cultivate vegetables. Till now, we could not do more due to water scarcity. But hereafter, we will expand our agricultural activities and increase production.”
“When the government spent a huge budget for us, we promised to do more agriculture and livestock farming henceforth,” said Sangay Wangchuk.
The entire scheme was constructed at a total cost of nearly Nu 19 M and is expected to benefit 80 households in Khangma Chiwog.
It will irrigate over 150 acres of farmland, boosting agricultural productivity and easing the water scarcity faced during dry months.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
