Irrigation water issue due to burst pipes was a constant struggle for farmers during paddy transplantation season in Jibjo-Yuesarkha village under Toedwang Gewog in Punakha. But not anymore. With the water pipes repaired, farmers carried out paddy transplantation without any problem. They are happy they could do their paddy transplantation on time.
With the gewog administration maintaining the water pipeline in April this year, farmers have irrigated their paddy fields successfully and are expecting a good yield this time. Water through the 10-kilometre irrigation canal has been flowing continuously.
In the past, people had to rush several times to repair their irrigation water pipes which were left without repair.
“We had to repair the water pipes at least three times during the paddy transplantation. But we did not face the problem this time. So, all the people are happy since we could do our paddy transplantation works on time. We can do all the agricultural works if there is a continuous water supply,” said Tandin Wangmo, a farmer in the Yuesarkha village.
“It’s almost been a month now since the repair works. Paddy fields were gradually drying up with the erratic water supply due to burst pipes. However, it went well this time due to sufficient water,” added Nakphel, another farmer.
“If we cannot complete the paddy transplantation works by the sixth month of the Bhutanese calendar, the yield won’t be good. We are thankful for the intervention at the right time,” added Penjor.
“With the pipes repaired, people are now planning to carry out the paddy transplantation in the lands that were left fallow,” said Tshering Dorji.
The irrigation system was put in place some eight years ago. But the frequent bursting of pipes failed to serve its purpose. But now, with sufficient water, farmers now want to venture into growing other crops.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
