A hybrid solar lift irrigation system was inaugurated on 26 April 2026 at Dzomlingthang in Guma Gewog, Punakha, by the Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) and the Letshog Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang. It was also attended by the Dasho Dzongdag and the district officials.
The project was implemented by the Department of Agriculture and technical assistance by the Department of Infrastructure Development with funding support from the Government of India (GoI-PTA) at a cost of about Nu. 30 million. The irrigation system is expected to bring lasting relief to farmers of two chiwogs, Dochukha-Dzomlingthang-Ritsa and Changyul-Lungsilgang-Tashijong, who have faced chronic irrigation water shortages for decades.
The two chiwogs together have around 500 acres of wetland suitable for rice cultivation, of which nearly 75 acres are left fallow annually due to insufficient water supply. Farmers have depended on the declining Nyakulum water source, which has affected paddy production over the years.
The newly completed system will pump water from the Mochhu River approximately three kilometres uphill, from where it will flow through the newly constructed distribution channels to the fields. The system operates on solar energy and can also run on electricity when solar power is unavailable. Net metering has also been integrated into the system, allowing excess solar power generated during the irrigation season to be fed into the national grid and drawn back for use during the lean season.
The project is expected to improve agricultural productivity, and encourage farmers to undertake winter cropping and large-scale vegetable cultivation. With reliable irrigation now in place, farmers can look forward to higher yields, increased cultivation, and improved livelihoods.
