To boost rice production, farmers of two villages in Pema Gatshel’s Norbugang Gewog began paddy transplantation some years ago. However, due to small terraces, they face difficulty utilising farm machinery. They are now requesting the government to do a land management project.
Farmers of Tikiliwoong and Laishingri villages in Norbugang Gewog have been transplanting paddy since 2018, following the maintenance of their irrigation channel.
However, they are facing difficulties in using power tillers due to the size of the terraces and the presence of boulders.
Farmers said transforming the land would significantly ease their farming work.
Kinzang Rangdrel, a farmer said “We used oxen to plough the fields in the past. Now, we use power tiller, but it is challenging. There are boulders in the field that interrupt the ploughing process and reduce the available space for cultivation. If boulders can be removed and terraces can be expanded, it would benefit us.”
Sangay Wangchuk, another farmer said “In the past, our terraces were developed manually. Today, it is very difficult to plough with power tiller. So, we need to expand the terraces. There are differences when it comes to the taste of local rice and imported rice. Our local rice tastes better.”
Ngawang Penjor, who is also a farmer said “When we use machines, it is difficult to turn around. I could not cultivate paddy in those fields. If the terraces are transformed, it will be convenient, and I hope to cultivate on it.”
According to Norbugang-Rinchenzor Tshogpa Khandu, in previous years, they could not include land management in the plans due to budget constraints. However, they have prioritised the work in the current Five-Year-Plan.
“Regarding land management, we have incorporated it into both the gewog and district plans. It is our priority, and we hope to start this year.”
The tshogpa added that the land management will also help in reviving less than 30 acres of fallow land.
Currently, around 15 villagers carry out paddy transplantation on more than 10 acres of land.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
