Like some villages across the country, late monsoon has delayed the paddy transplantation in Radhi Gewog in Trashigang. The transplantation works would have been in full swing at this time of the year if the monsoon is not delayed.
“This year, without rainfall, we are worried about paddy plantation. If there is rain, we can transplant paddy. But if it does not rain, then we do not know what to do,” said Jetsun Dema from Radhi Gewog.
Radhi is considered as the rice bowl of the eastern Dzongkhags but this year, people are worried about how they can transplant paddy. Today, only a few people are seen transplanting paddy. Many fields are left fallow, as there is no rainfall. People have to till the fields once before they transplant but this year without downpour on time, they had to plough twice.
“This year, until today, we did not receive rainfall and we have to till the fields twice. And we are worried,” Tshering Dorji also from the same gewog said.
With the hope and expectation of downpour soon, people are preparing their fields for paddy transplantation. People said the water sources were also dry without rainfall. Farmers just have to rely on the rain.
“We are hoping for rainfall but at the same time, we are worried that the paddy saplings will not be useable. The saplings are dying without rain”, added Norbu from the same gewog.
“We, the gewog administration, tell people not to worry much as still there are two months left. On the other hand, we cannot do anything regarding water without rain. I personally went to Radhi Namdrocholing Goenpa last Friday to offer prayers and also told Tshogpas to offer prayers and offerings to the local deities,” Kulung, the gup of Radhi Gewog said.
According to the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) the rainfall analysis showed that the central part of Bhutan received no rainfall last week despite the onset of the monsoon season. This, in turn, has resulted in delayed paddy transplantation in many areas.
Meanwhile, the National Climate Outlook Forum this year predicted Bhutan to receive normal rainfall. Monsoon season begins from June till September. Therefore the centre said the forecast is expected to improve.
