Farmer shares his joy of getting irrigation facility

Farmers of Nuwakot were worrying as they only had to rely on rainwater for irrigating their land. For improving their crop production the alternative way for irrigation, construction of Thulo chhange Ghattekhola to Baspani irrigation scheme (Tadi RM-04) played a crucial role. Farmers are joyfully realizing better yields.

Only about one-third of the agricultural land in Nepal is irrigated because most farmers are not privileged with better irrigation facilities. However, farmers of Nuwakot are enabling themselves to start modern and commercial farming from the support.

Thulo chhange Ghattekhola to Baspani irrigation schemes was built before 35 years on 2041 BS by Sector loan Harihar Bhawan after that many governments and non-government organizations like Ministry of Forestry and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) and Agriculture Office helped the user committee for pipeline and maintenance of the canal.

The devastating Nepal Earthquake 2015 destroyed which brought challenges for farmers. To improve the situation our implementing partner Community Development Center (CDC) Nepal, user committees and local government coordinated and constructed the intake and source protection helping farmers to get the irrigation facility through water management.

“We had to depend on rainwáter before for planting rice. This year we managed to plant rice in 20 Hector land as we had adequate water in right time for irrigation. Around 50 farmers families are delighted after Caritas reconstructed this Thulo chhange Ghattekhola to Baspani irrigation system which was destroyed by the earthquake of 2015. We feel happy that we are now able to upgrade our agriculture production through commercial seasonal farmings.”

Sadhuram Bhandari (55),
Farmer, Tadi, Nuwakot

Sadhuram Bhandari (55 years) recalls his old days and shared about buying pipes every year. The flood used to destroy irrigation pipelines every monsoon. The pipes were smaller and temporary. Mr. Bhandari expects double productivity this year than those years when they used to depend on rainwater for the plantation.

Farmers were equipped with modern farming tools, resulted improved and sustainable livelihood through multi-sectoral assistance.

This year they planted rice in 20 Hector land through this particular irrigation canal and it is the highest till now. Farmers are now advancing their farming practices from traditional to modern and commercial.

This irrigation schemes directly benefits the 50 HHs. Farmers of these areas mostly grow Maize, Wheat, Rice, Mustard and seasonal vegetables. They are now doing 3-4 cropping season and have managed to irrigate their land turn by turn in hourly basis. The farmers groups are collecting Rs. 20 per farmer for the maintenance of the schemes and has ensured its sustainability.

The project “Strengthening people’s action for WASH and Sustainable Livelihood” in Nuwakot district with the funding partner Caritas Espanola, tries to help the farmers to upgrade their farm productions .Caritas interventions boosted farmers commitment and their hard work played crucial role to enhance their farm cultivation .