𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

… 400 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑟 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑡 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 42 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑠, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 40 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓
𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑑

By Kezang Choden

Under the Gewog Annual Budget, the construction of a reservoir tank with a storage capacity of
400 thousand litres is underway in Metakha Gewog, Chukha Dzongkhag, to strengthen irrigation
facilities and address water scarcity faced by local farmers. As of now, more than 40 percent of
the construction work has been completed. Once finished, the reservoir is expected to ensure a
reliable and efficient supply of water for agricultural activities during both winter and summer
cropping seasons.

Farmers in the gewog have faced recurring irrigation shortages, particularly during dry months,
which have affected crop production and limited farming potential. The reservoir tank is
designed to store and regulate water for timely and equitable distribution among users. This will
support diversified crop cultivation, improve agricultural productivity, and reduce dependency
on rainfall. The improved irrigation system is expected to encourage year-round farming and
strengthen resilience to changing weather conditions.

The stored water will benefit more than 42 households in the gewog, contributing to improved
food security and increased farm income. The project also promotes sustainable water
management by reducing water loss and ensuring efficient use of available water resources.
Construction of the reservoir tank is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2026.
Local officials stated that the project will play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural resilience
and supporting the livelihoods of farming communities in Metakha Gewog.

The Agriculture Extension Officer of the gewog said that they play a key role in supporting
agricultural development by acting as a link between farmers and relevant agencies. He shared
that extension services focus on guiding farmers, encouraging them to work diligently, and
providing technical support and services whenever required. Speaking on the ongoing reservoir
tank project, the officer said the facility would significantly improve irrigation management in
the gewog.

“The tank will store and regulate water for timely distribution, thereby supporting diversified
crop cultivation, improving productivity, and reducing dependency on rainfall,” he said.

He added that improved access to irrigation water would enable farmers to engage in year-round
farming, particularly during dry seasons when water shortages often limit agricultural activities.
The project is expected to boost overall agricultural production and create better opportunities
for farmers to grow a wider range of crops. According to the officer, strengthening irrigation
infrastructure is essential for improving farmers’ livelihoods and enhancing the local economy.

With reliable water supply, households will be able to increase farm output, improve food
security, and generate higher income through agriculture. He said the initiative reflects the
gewog’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural development and supporting farming
communities in building a more resilient and economically stable future.

Chencho Wangdi, the Tshogpa of Jozhingkha Maedtab-Toed Chiwog, said that persistent water
shortages have severely affected agricultural activities in the area, forcing farmers to rely almost
entirely on seasonal rainfall.

He shared that due to the lack of reliable irrigation, farmers are often unable to focus fully on
cultivation despite their willingness to work. He pointed out that the farmland in the chiwog is
fertile and suitable for growing a wide variety of vegetables. However, the shortage of water has
left many farmers with limited options, preventing them from making full use of their land.

“Even though the soil is productive, we are helpless without water,” he said, adding that this has
discouraged many households from expanding their farming activities. Chencho Wangdi
expressed optimism that the situation will improve once the reservoir tank is completed. He said
the new water storage facility will ease irrigation challenges and allow farmers to cultivate more
land and grow crops throughout the year. With reliable access to water, farmers are expected to
increase production and work more efficiently than before.

Other residents of the chiwog also shared similar views, stating that improved irrigation will
encourage them to focus more on agricultural production and contribute to the local economy.
They believe that better water management will strengthen food security and improve household
income. Residents further urged that proper maintenance of gewog connectivity, particularly
blacktopping of roads, would significantly support agricultural development. They said improved
road access would make it easier to transport farm produce to markets, reduce post-harvest
losses, and help the gewog generate higher income.

Jangchub, a resident of Metakha Gewog, said that recurring water shortages have created serious
challenges for farmers, particularly during the paddy plantation season. He shared that the lack of
adequate irrigation often forces farmers to suspend their work and wait for rainfall, leading to
delays in cultivation and reduced productivity. He said the situation becomes more difficult
during dry periods when even basic household needs such as watering kitchen gardens cannot be
met. According to him, this has affected both food production and daily livelihoods, as families
are unable to grow vegetables for household consumption.

Jangchub expressed hope that the completion of the reservoir tank will bring much-needed relief
to the farming community. He said reliable water storage will allow farmers to carry out
agricultural activities on time without having to wait helplessly for rain. He added that improved
access to irrigation water will support timely paddy transplantation, strengthen household food
security, and encourage farmers to make better use of their land. The project is expected to ease
long-standing irrigation problems and contribute to more stable and productive farming in
Metakha Gewog.