The recent continuous rainfall may have caused problems in some parts of the country, but for the paddy growers in Zhemgang, it has been a blessing. Previously, many fields were left fallow due to irrigation water shortage. The timely rainfall has brought much-needed relief, allowing farmers to complete paddy transplantation.
44-year-old Tsewang Dorji, of Namjur village in Nangkor Gewog, has been growing paddy all his life.
At the beginning of the paddy transplantation season, he was close to giving up due to the irrigation water shortage like many of his fellow farmers who left their fields uncultivated despite preparations.
However, last week, he completed transplanting paddy in his one-and-a-half-acre field. This time, his fields are filled with water, thanks to the continuous rainfall that made up for the usual irrigation water shortage, which often leaves his fields fallow.
“Two households in Namjur village had to leave their paddy fields fallow due to water shortages two years ago, and another household did the same last year. This season, the three remaining households, including mine were on the verge of giving up paddy cultivation. However, we decided to give it one last try. Thankfully, the rain just arrived in time, allowing us to complete our transplantation this season.”
With the timely rainfall, he is hopeful for a bountiful harvest this year.
“This time, we have plenty of water, with rains at night and fine weather during the day to work in the fields. Everything went smoothly. However, there are times when we do not have enough water to complete our transplantation, leaving us stuck and unable to finish our work. This can be frustrating. As children grow, their needs increase, leading to higher expenses. Agriculture helps us manage these costs.”
“We transplant paddy during the summer and consume it in the winter, ensuring we have food for our children. This is why we cultivate paddy every year. Buying rice and other commodities from shops is very expensive and would negatively impact us. That is why we grow our paddy,” said Choney Jurmey, a farmer.
Paddy transplantation in villages in Zhemgang begins in early June and ends by the first week of July. Rice cultivation is the primary source of income and a key economic activity in Zhemgang.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sonam Pem
