Despite being a water-rich country, one of the ironic challenges has been that people especially in rural areas face acute water shortages. But the Desuung water projects initiated under inspiration from one of His Majesty the King’s speech has been addressing this issue to a large extent. In Sarpang, an irrigation water project has helped the people of Tashichhoeling revive several acres of fallow land.
For the first time in several years, most of the people in Tashichhoeling village are growing vegetables in winter on their land. This has been possible thanks to the irrigation water project carried out by the Desuups and completed in September, last year.
The village of 24 households was also able to carry out paddy cultivation for the first time earlier this year on around 15 acres of wetland. They had a good harvest.
In total, the irrigation water project helped revive 70 acres of dryland and 15 acres of wetland that remained unused for about 5 years.
“It has all been possible because we have water now. In the past, we didn’t have a good water supply. Now, thanks to His Majesty The King, we have sufficient water,” said Samten Dorji.
“In the past, it was difficult to grow anything because of the water shortage. Many gave up and left their lands fallow. But now everyone is working on their land and the yield is also good,” said another Tashichhoeling resident, Pema Chezom.
“It has been much better this year, thanks to the irrigation facility. In the past, we couldn’t grow crops because there wasn’t any water,” said Sonam Chogay.
The people say the water crisis began after their old irrigation system was damaged. The farmers tried working using rainwater to water the fields but soon many gave up as it wasn’t very successful. The village has also formed a group to look after the new irrigation system. The new system draws water from a source at Singgyechu which is located about 1.7 kilometers away from the village. The project was completed at a cost of more than Nu. 10 M.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
