Khamaedthang farmers in Samdrup Jongkhar can now cultivate paddy twice a year. The completion of a new smart irrigation channel ensures reliable water supply throughout the year, encouraging farmers to improve agricultural productivity.
In Khamaedthang, farmers can be seen joyfully sowing seeds on well-prepared nursery beds to raise paddy saplings. The task which is usually laborious and exhausting, especially in the absence of a reliable irrigation water, has turned into a pleasant experience this season.
As others tend to their nurseries, Pema Dendup is busy preparing his fields to transplant spring paddy once the seedlings mature. “During paddy cultivation, the irrigation channel used to get damaged frequently because the water was drawn directly from the river. We requested the government for a proper irrigation channel, and it was constructed at a huge cost. Now, it would not be fair if we do not make use of it, so we have decided to cultivate spring paddy.
Khamaedthang farmers are planning to begin spring paddy transplantation next month with harvest expected by May.
“Cultivating paddy twice a year will benefit us greatly. It will make us self-sufficient in rice and also help us earn additional income. Moreover, rice grown on our own is more organic and healthier than the imported ones,” said Norbu Chenzom, a farmer from Khamaedthang.
This development in Khamaedthang shows that what farmers need most is a reliable water supply for irrigation, not sophisticated machine, to help the country attain food self-sufficiency.
“Without water, we were unable to do anything. Even to cultivate vegetables, we need a reliable water supply. Now, with the new irrigation channel, we will be able to grow spring paddy and cultivate areca nut,” said Lali Raj Gurung, another farmer of Khameadthang.
“The new irrigation channel has helped us not only in paddy cultivation but also in growing areca nut and raising livestock. Now, cultivating spring paddy will further improve our livelihoods,” added Dhanapati Phokhrel, another resident of Khamaedthang.
The Agriculture Research and Development Centre in Bajo, Wangdue Phodrang and the Samdrup Jongkhar District Agriculture Sector are helping farmers in Khamaedthang raise paddy saplings. The Samdrup Jongkhar District Agriculture Sector plans to cultivate spring paddy on about 200 acres of land, using machinery to reduce labour requirements and save time.
The Nu 32 M irrigation channel, designed to withstand floods, prevent seepage, and secure long-term water security, was funded by Bhutan for Life.
This initiative in Khamaedthang highlights how investments in reliable irrigation water projects for farmers can go a long way in strengthening food security.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
