Restoration work of the longest irrigation canal in the country, worth Nu 500 M, is complete. Taklai irrigation canal, constructed in 1980, was restored with assistance from Japan. It will benefit 398 households of Chhuzanggang and Sherzhong Gewogs under Sarpang Dzongkhag.
The agriculture minister, Yeshey Dorji, during the inauguration, said it will save the government a lot of money. The ministry had been spending Nu 2 M to renovate the canal every year. Heavy downpour used to damage the structure, every monsoon.
The Japanese Counsellor, Toshihiro Yamakoshi, based in New Delhi Embassy in India, who was also present during the inauguration, assured continued support.
“In response to Bhutan’s policy to achieve self-reliance from external assistance by 2020, we will extend our maximum support to Bhutan in areas of agriculture and basic infrastructure, especially recognizing that farm mechanization will still be very important for Bhutan.”
Chhuzanggang and Sherzhong have a total of 3000 acres paddy field.
Now, with a reliable source of water, the farmers of the two gewogs are hoping to go for double-cropping and off-season vegetable production.
A farmer of Chhuzanggang, Chencho said the irrigation canal looks sturdy and it would benefit them immensely.
“Our farmers have been buying vegetables, just like civil servants,” said another farmer, Tshering Dhendup. He said from this year onwards they are going to grow everything now that water reaches their community.
The local leaders said such the canal would bring prosperity to their communities.
“Earlier, we had to spent days clearing the canal. We can now instead focus on our farm work,” said Chhuzanggang’s Gup, Sangay Tshering.
