World News | Lephu farmers in Trashigang use tarpaulin pond liners to avoid water shortage problems

Trashigang [Bhutan], March 7, (ANI): Access to sufficient water for agriculture is one of the main issues facing farmers in Bhutan. Although this situation has been going on for some time for farmers in Trashigang’s Leyphu village, it is no longer a problem. According to Bhutan Live, the villagers found a simple solution to collect and store water in pits lined with tarps.

This low-cost method allows farmers to grow vegetables even during the dry winter months.

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One of the villagers, Sacha Dorji, told Bhutan Live that although he had worked hard farming the land last year, he still earned around 8,000 Nur. “I’ve increased my vegetable planting this year and next year I plan to add more,” he added.

The farmers began using the new water storage method in 2021 after being introduced to them by the Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC).

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In addition to collecting rainwater, farmers occasionally add water to the ponds from the drinking water supply.

Before tarpaulin ponds were invented, people used groundwater for their gardening needs. But they claim not everyone is getting enough water.

Before tarpaulin ponds were invented, people used groundwater for their gardening needs. But they claim not everyone gets enough.

“Earlier, we couldn’t farm because of lack of water. We didn’t even have enough drinking water. It’s a serious problem. Selling vegetables can bring in about S$8,000 to S$9,000. But, last year, I earned about S$25,000,” said another farmer, Lham Youden.

Although farmers in Bhutan grow a variety of vegetables, they mainly grow pulses and asparagus.

ARDC in Wangdue Phodrang not only provides technical assistance to farmers, but also provides tarpaulins and water hoses for free.

Several regions in Bhutan have been dealing with severe water shortages. Notably, in early February this year, the DeSuung Water Conservancy Project was launched in Bhutan’s Martshala Gewog, a village block in Samdrup Jongkhar District.

According to Bhutan Live, residents of Thizor, Gorthongma and Gaywong villages have been struggling to get enough water.

A local resident told Bhutan Live that the water is now insufficient for drinking, washing and feeding the animals. But after the DeSuung water project, people are hoping to get enough water, Bhutan Live reports. (Arnie)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)