Amid irrigation water shortages faced by farmers across the country, the government has been providing pumps to draw water from rivers and streams to solve the problem. But in some places, the initiative has been unable to solve the water crisis completely. In Punakha, the issue has only been addressed partially and farmers are requesting for the government to provide more pumps to fully solve the water crisis.
These days, farmers of Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa Chiwog of Guma Gewog are busy in the fields transplanting paddy. They are using the four water pumps provided by the district administration, taking turns to irrigate the fields.
“The government supported us with water pumps and it is benefiting us a lot. Otherwise, there was no way to transplant the paddy this year. So, I have transplanted paddy on some fields. We are thankful to the government as this will be our ration for next year. We would be grateful if we are provided with some more water pumps,” said Dophum, a farmer.
“We have three water pumps here. It has immensely benefitted us. We had a meeting among ourselves and decided to take turns. All the villagers are happy,” said Namgay Tshering, another farmer.
Water is pumped from the Mochhu. But farmers say the fields are located on a slope and it takes a lot of time for the water to reach the area. Moreover, they said the water level or force decreases when water is pumped uphill.
“One or two water pumps are not sufficient for us. I think the works in other districts might have been completed so if they can provide it to us. Our land is still dry and if the government can support us to complete the works by the fifth month of the Bhutanese calendar,” said Talop Pasang, a farmer.
“Even five to six water pumps cannot reach our fields as it is located far away from the river. But it will be expensive for us as we have to spend around Nu 1800-1900 for fuel. That is just for three water pumps,” said Kinley Tenzin, another farmer.
In the past, farmers used to start the paddy transplantation work by mid-May and it would go on till the end of July. But this year, due to less rainfall, most of the farmers have yet to start the work.
According to the district administration, Dochhukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa and Changyul-Lungsigang-Tashijong Chiwogs are facing acute water shortages.
The government provided five water pumps to Guma Gewog and two to Toewang Gewog in Punakha.
According to agriculture and livestock minister, Yeshey Penjor, the government might have to procure and provide water pumps depending on the genuine requirement.
The minister added that farmers need to focus on growing crops which require less water, harvesting rainwater and using a drip irrigation system.
“One of the additional irrigation water supply alternatives is to do rainwater harvesting. The other one is mulching, where plants can absorb the moisture. And another one is the drip irrigation system.”
According to the district administration, Punakha alone produces almost 11,550 metric tons of paddy every year.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Tshering Zam
