11 November, Samdrupjongkhar: The construction of Omshari Landmark Irrigation Project in Pemathang Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar was launched today on 11 November, 2022 coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The ceremony was graced by Honโble Dasho Tashi Wangmo, Samdrupjongkhar Dzongdag and Honโble Director Mr. Yonten Gyamtsho, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests.
The Omshari Landmark Irrigation Project is a significant milestone for the irrigation sector in Bhutan. At an estimated project cost of Nu. 130.00 million, the landmark project is expected to complete in a 7 months period.
In pursuit of realizing His Majesty the Kingโs vision for quality water infrastructures, the Ministry of Agriculture & Forests in partnership with the De-suung Office and local governments will execute the project. The project will be undertaken by 120 De-suups who are deployed through the Desuung National Service Program.
Pemathang Gewog is widely known for its Khamtey rice, a variety that is much sought after by many Bhutanese and is a primary source of cash income for many local farmers. However, the yield and production of Khamtey is currently constrained by irrigation water shortage during its critical growth stages in September end to October. The existing water source, Warong-re is not able to meet both the agriculture and drinking water demands.
Upon completion of the project a vast expanse of paddy land measuring over 1000 acres will receive increased irrigation water supply and is expected to boost rice and winter vegetable productions. Besides, it will also provide supplementary water supply for betel-nut cultivation and livestock farming. Water tapped from the new source, Raoshing-re will also reduce the demand on the existing one and serve as a source of clean drinking water for several villages. A total of 384 households will be benefited by the project.
The Agriculture Engineering Division (AED) under Department of Agriculture, conducted the feasibility studies and designed the new irrigation facilities. The AED will oversee the implementation of the project. The project will feature climate resilient irrigation infrastructure with proper intake structures; 7 km of 450 mm diameter HDPE main pipeline; 7 km of HDPE pipe distribution system, 8 km of concrete distribution canals and 3 drinking water reservoir tanks.
Once completed, the project will be one of the largest irrigation systems in the country implemented through the Desuung National Service Program. Besides meeting the peopleโs immediate need for irrigation water, the project will also provide an important platform for a large cohort of young Desuung volunteers to acquire vocational skills on irrigation construction works as well as gain knowledge and an appreciation towards our rural people, culture and tradition.
-PPD
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