𝐊𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐰𝐨𝐠𝐬

By Kinzang Lhamo

Farmers in Metakha Gewog can now look forward to a future of reliable irrigation, thanks to the launch of the Kuenphenzhingchu Irrigation Project, a significant initiative funded by the Government of India through the GOI-PTA initiative. The Nu 35.15 million project features a modern mechanized irrigation system spanning 3.28 kilometers, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods.

The project will immediately benefit over 180 households, irrigating more than 245 acres of farmland across all five chiwogs of Metakha Gewog. In the long term, it aims to expand coverage to 700 acres, supporting year-round, sustainable farming.

Developed based on a comprehensive survey and detailed design, the project was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Infrastructure Development (DoID) under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT).
“With the launch of the Kuenphenzhingchu Irrigation Project under SDP Phase I, all five chiwogs- Pangu, Jozhingkha Maedtab-Toed, Maedtab-Maed, Gumina, and Uekha—will finally receive equal and timely access to irrigation water, solving a problem our farmers have faced for generations,” said Pasang Tshering, Gup of Metakha Gewog.

Initially proposed with a modest budget of Nu. 15–20 lakhs, the project went through several stages of funding requests before receiving Nu. 35.15 million under the Small Development Project (SDP) with support from the Dzongkhag Administration. The project also aims to transform 700 acres of dryland into wetland, increasing agricultural productivity and benefiting the community.

“Beyond resolving seasonal water shortages, this initiative directly targets rice self-sufficiency by enabling winter and summer cultivation, thereby reducing our dependence on imported agricultural products,” added Gup Pasang Tshering.

Janchup, a resident of Maedtab-Maed, explained, “In the past, due to lack of irrigation water, we couldn’t properly farm even though we had land. There simply wasn’t enough water, especially in winter.” He described how water scarcity had long been a serious challenge for the community, with freezing temperatures causing pipes to shrink during the colder months, further limiting the water supply. “We could only plant during the monsoon, and even then, water had to be shared among the five chiwogs on a rotational basis, leading to frequent delays and reduced yields.”

Now, with the new irrigation system, Janchup and his neighbors are hopeful for the future. “We are looking forward to cultivating our fields more effectively, improving our yield, and finally using our land to its full potential without waiting for water or relying on outside produce,” he added.

Tashi Choki, a resident of Maedtab-Toed, also spoke about the positive change. “Kuenphenzhingchu is truly the most beneficial project we have seen in a long time. It supports us in our daily irrigation and farming activities, something we have struggled with for years.” Before the project, the community had no proper drains or pipelines for water. While some villagers had tried to build makeshift drains, the flow was inconsistent. “Though the water appeared strong from the source, by the time it reached lower areas like ours, it would significantly reduce, leaving many fields dry and uncultivated,” said Tashi.

With the new irrigation channel, the community is now seeing more reliable access to water. “We are planning our crops with confidence, knowing we can depend on a stable water supply, not just in the monsoon but even during dry spells. This is expected to improve our yield and overall livelihood,” Tashi added.

Chogyel, a resident of Pangu chiwog, shared his relief. “We faced a huge challenge when there was no irrigation water in our chiwog. We depended entirely on Dru na gu (9 grains)- crops like red rice, millet, sweet and bitter buckwheat, barley, amaranth, mustard, wheat, and maize- but without water, it was nearly impossible.” He explained that the situation was exacerbated by the lack of road connectivity and electricity in earlier years, making it difficult to maintain crops in the scorching summer heat.

But with the announcement of the Kuenphenzhingchu Irrigation Project, there is renewed hope. “A reliable water supply will not only restore traditional farming practices but also revive the cultivation of Dru na gu (9 grains) crops that are culturally significant and essential for food security,” Chogyel said. “This development feels like a turning point, offering a chance for all five chiwogs to thrive together through farming once again.”

Chimi Nidup, from Pangu chiwog, also shared how the project has transformed their lives. “Kuenphenzhingchu has been a blessing in disguise for us. The irrigation water not only helps us cultivate our land and grow crops, but it can also be used for drinking since it comes directly from the mountain top.”

Before the project, Chimi recalled the challenges of managing water for cultivation. Villagers had constructed a small irrigation channel themselves, but it was far from enough. “People had to rely completely on rainfall, sometimes even heading out at night to plough the fields when it rained just to make sure the crops were planted on time.” The lack of proper water distribution often led to disputes among villagers. “In the past, water disputes were common because of the uneven supply. But now with this irrigation channel, we can irrigate all our fields peacefully. This project doesn’t just help us now, it will support our children and their children in the years to come,” Chimi added.