Hopes are high as farmers in Tashichhoeling chiwog under Tareythang Gewog in Sarpang get a new irrigation water supply. His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck inaugurated the 1.7-kilometre long Singyechhu Irrigation project on Wednesday.
The farmers said it is one step closer to achieving food self-sufficiency.
The Nu 10.6 M project will benefit some 30 households and they have more than a hundred acres of land. It can be also used for drinking purposes. The construction started in March this year and was completed in just six months.
“The harvest was never good when we depend on rainwater. The water was never enough. Now with the new irrigation project, we hope to enjoy a bountiful harvest,” said Pema Chezom, a Tashichhoeling Resident.
Another resident Dorji Tshering said, “It will now benefit our vegetable cultivation. In the past, there was a shortage of water even for paddy farming. Now, we can use fallow lands from next year.”
“There was always a water shortage problem. We hope it will not repeat. We are expecting a better harvest unlike in the past,” said Karma Wangzom.
Nearly 50 DeSuups, Army personnel and officials from the Umling Dungkhag Administration were involved in the project.
Tareythang Gup Narayan Neopany said the chiwog had an irrigation channel made of concrete but was damaged with no one looking after the facility. He said the damage will be minimal since they are using pipes this time.
The dzongkhag administration also handed over the project to Chuyur Tshogpa who will be responsible to maintain the water supply.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
