Farmers of Champe in Syamshila, Ward No. 1 of Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, have been increasingly attracted to commercial vegetable farming following the expansion of irrigation facilities. After the construction of irrigation ponds, 21 households in the area have gained access to reliable irrigation, encouraging farmers to take up commercial farming.
Local farmer Bharat Bahadur Karki said that he has started commercial vegetable farming on nearly three ropanis of land after irrigation facilities were expanded. He informed that he is producing various cash crops including cabbage, cauliflower, peas, garlic, radish, coriander, potatoes, mustard, and others.
“Farming has become easier after irrigation facilities were expanded in our settlement,” Karki said. “In the past, water scarcity was a major problem. Now, after the construction of ponds, we have become actively engaged in vegetable farming.”
According to Karki, technical services and various subsidy programs operated by the rural municipality have further encouraged commercial vegetable farming. The long-standing irrigation problem faced by farmers has been resolved after the construction of irrigation ponds and the distribution of water. At present, water is being supplied through three large irrigation ponds in the settlement.
Ward Chairperson Rajendra Rai of Pauwadungma–1, Syamshila, said that three irrigation ponds were constructed using a phased budget of NRs 3 million provided by the provincial government. “Farmers in this area had long been suffering due to the lack of irrigation,” he said. “As the area is suitable for vegetable and agricultural production, farmers can now carry out farming more easily.”
Deputy Chairperson of the rural municipality Jyotsana Rai said that with the expansion of irrigation facilities, local farmers have begun to engage in commercial cash-crop farming. She added that the improved irrigation system has created an environment for farmers to generate income through agriculture. She also noted that the good road connectivity in the area has made it easier to market the vegetables produced.
Rural Municipality Chairperson Kiran Rai stated that expanding irrigation facilities in cultivable areas has been given high priority within the municipality. He said that necessary subsidy and promotion programs are being implemented to encourage farmers to become commercial producers.
According to Chairperson Rai, irrigation pond construction is being promoted along with the “One Household, One Tunnel” program, with the goal of achieving self-reliance through agricultural production. He added that the municipality is focusing on organic farming suited to the local geography and soil, and has also introduced an agricultural ambulance service to facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce.
