Although a bit late, the Tharaykhola Irrigation Scheme for Norbugang Gewog in Samtse is finally starting to benefit its residents. Coinciding with the paddy plantation season, the gewog agricultural sector recently began to distribute the irrigation water to all beneficiaries. Just a few years back, the world bank funded project was considered a massive failure as it failed to supply irrigation water.
Without enough irrigation water supply and no one to work, about 25 acres of land in Bhimtar village in Norbugang gewog have remained fallow and uncultivated for the last 13 years. But not anymore. Thanks to the Tharaykhola Irrigation Scheme, water has now reached the fields. Today, the gewog agricultural sector along with a few interested farmers are busy making the fields ready for the paddy plantation. Paddy plantation works will begin by next week.
Besides the revival of fallow land, the project is expected to benefit over 300 households in the three chiwogs.
“Now that we are getting a good supply of irrigation water, we can do paddy cultivation. And if there is a continuous supply of water during the dry season as well, we will also be able to grow winter vegetables,” said Nrip Raj Pradhan, from Norbugang.
The project has also come in handy for farmers who are practising piggery, poultry, and dairy farming. Likewise, a few villages have also been getting drinking water supply through the same project.
“We are now more confident to work harder as we get a good supply of water. We are not only growing crops but also doing other farming activities such as poultry and piggery. This is helping us become self-sufficient and make some income as well,” said Prakash Chettri the Owner of Subash Farm in Norbugang.
Located just a few kilometres from Bhimtar, an artificial lake collects all water from the main source through a 10-kilometre Polythene pipeline. And from there, water is distributed to various villages. That was the basic idea behind the project. However, due to the constant breakage and blockage of pipelines between the source and the lake, enough water could not be stored and many considered the project a major failure and a waste of resources. The Nu 37 M worth project was completed in 2020.
Now that the water distribution works have started, the irrigation scheme will not only help in the revival of over 100 acres of fallow land but also play a key role in bringing agricultural development to the gewog.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sangay Chezom
