Farmers in Koshala village of Langthil Gewog, Trongsa, have resumed paddy cultivation after leaving their fields unused for almost ten years due to a shortage of irrigation water.A newly constructed irrigation channel has restored water supply to the fields, allowing farmers to return to rice farming after years of depending on imported rice.
Although the channel was completed before this year’s paddy cultivation season, uncertainty over the completion of the work meant many landowners did not prepare their paddy seedlings in time. However, some farmers decided to take the risk and began cultivation.
“Initially, we were unsure whether the water supply would be reliable and whether the government would take over the work. But after discussions, we decided to take the risk. We managed to source seeds from others and went ahead with the plantation this year,” says Ugyen Tshomo, a resident of Koshala.
“When we had a reliable water supply, we never had to buy imported rice. We were self-sufficient back then. However, when our water source dried up, we became entirely dependent on imported rice,” says Ugyen, another resident of Koshala.
