The paddy fields of Nyenyul and Labtsakha in Singye Gewog, Sarpang, are thriving this season. For years, farmers here struggled with irrigation water shortages, leaving over 50 acres of farmland fallow. But a newly improved Mahajan irrigation channel is now bringing water, and new hope, back to the villages.
For years, the villages of Nyenyul and Labtsakha depended on the Sisti River for irrigation. But the river was unpredictable, swelling into floods during the monsoon and drying up in winter. The result was severe shortages that left acres of farmland fallow.
Today, the story is different. With support from the Green Climate Fund, the gewog administration constructed a new intake structure at the river source.
Connected with six kilometres of pipeline, the new climate-resilient irrigation system ensures a reliable water supply to the villages. The structure is also designed to withstand floods and landslides.
Singye Gup Jigme said, “Previously, the open conventional irrigation system caused most of the water to seep into the ground before reaching the fields, leaving farmers short of supply. Now we don’t have to face such a problem due to the new irrigation system.”
With water assured throughout the year, farmers are already preparing for off-season crops. They hope to grow winter vegetables and supply them to the rising number of residents, labourers, and investors in the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
The gup said, “Farmers will now have a continuous water supply throughout the year. Starting this season, we plan to take up winter crops and have already scheduled winter cropping activities.”
“The situation has improved compared to previous years. Most farmers were able to cultivate their fields this season, and with a reliable water supply, we now look forward to off-season farming as well,” said Binod Limbu, a resident of Nyenyul, Singye Gewog.
The Nu 40 M project has revived about 180 acres of wet and dry lands, benefitting more than 100 households across two chiwogs.
From barren fields to fertile lands, the Mahajan irrigation channel has transformed farming in Singye Gewog, giving farmers a chance to cultivate all year round.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Passang Dorji
