November 4: During the transplantation season, one of the biggest problems by farmers is the scarcity of water. Farmers are often are compelled to steal water from others by diverting the water in to their own field. To prevent this, farmers in Dagana will be forming Water Users Associations. This was decided at a weeklong training on irrigation held last week.

The participants will have to sit with villagers back in their geogs to organize Water Users Association and draw a By-Law for water users. The Association will consist of the members, a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Accountant and the Water Guard or Chusup.

The Dzongkhag Agriculture officer Jigme Dorji said without such arrangements villagers often land up in conflicts over water sharing for irrigation in the villages during paddy transplantation season.

Cases of farmers stealing water from each other increases, when the Monsoon is either delayed or is scanty.

After the By Laws for the water users are ready, farmers will be informed about it. After that, if anyone is found stealing water, the person will be penalized.

Jigme Dorji said it is not reasonable to provide maintenance fund every year for some 200 irrigation channels in 14 geogs. Instead the villagers will be asked to form a Water User Association. They will have to contribute some amount for smaller maintenance and payment for the water guard.

The members will have to meet often to discuss issues and other related matters on irrigation. Some 30 Agriculture Extension Officers from across Dagana Dzongkhag participated in the weeklong training on irrigation in Daga Dzong.