Since the construction of irrigation water project by the Desuups last year, farmers in the two chiwogs of Pang-Lhauzhing and Maenchhu-Tsangdung in Trashi Yangtse’s Tongmajangsa Gewog have started reaping benefits from the project. The project helps water almost 200 acres of paddy field belonging to 90 households in the two chiwogs.
The farmers in the two chiwogs are about to complete paddy transplantation works.
In the past, irrigation water shortage meant farmers take more than three months to complete paddy transplantation works.
However, this year was different. With the new irrigation water project, paddy transplantation time has been halved.
Paddy cultivation in the two chiwogs starts by May and by the start of autumn, it is ready for harvest. Farmers here cultivate red rice, locally known as Maa-bra.
“Before our paddy field remain dry since we do not have enough water to irrigate the field. Even after transplantation, our paddy gets dried up, but we did not have any option. Now, if our fields become dry, we can supply water immediately. People are happy,” said Tshering Penjor, a resident.
“Our farmers are showing interest in paddy cultivation as we have sufficient water supply. This year, a few were sceptical since we got water supply for first time, but they now know water is enough and they are planning to revive paddy cultivation by next year, Last year, His Majesty provided Desuung water project and we benefitted the water supply, we want to say thank you His Majesty,”said Rinzin, another resident.
The project uses HDP pipes to channel water to the villages. From there, it is distributed to paddy fields using open channels.
The 4.5-kilometre of the irrigation water project, worth almost Nu 25 M, was constructed by 70 Desuups supported by the district administration.
Sonam Darjay
Edited by Sherub Dorji
