By Rekhiram Rana, Palpa, Oct. 20: Construction of concrete irrigation channel for Gadhbas and Mansewa basins in Mathagadhi-5 has started, thanks to Lumbini State government that allocated Rs. 37.9 million for the project.

With the construction of the irrigation channel, farmers of the basins who would be dependent on rain water for cultivating single crop will be able to grow grains and vegetable round the year.

Local farmers of the more than 1100 ropani of land have become elated that the demand they put forward about a decade ago is now being fulfilled.

Kul Bahadur Rana, Chairman of Mansewa-Gadhbas Irrigation Consumers Committee, said, “Previously, we didn’t have irrigation facility to grow even a small field. Now after the completion of construction of irrigation, farmers of 70 households will easily be able to grow paddy, vegetables and other crops throughout the year.”

Prem Kanauj, a local farmer, said that now they would not have to wait for rain water for farming.

Currently, a 2000-meter long canal is being constructed in the Mansewa and Gadhbas area for irrigation. “Along with this, other construction works to reach the fields will be done,” said Sankar Thapa, chief, Irrigation Development Division Office, Palpa.

Thapa said that the irrigation facility would help the farmers grow crops in all seasons.

Bidhan Pandit, sub-engineer of the office said that the three per cent of the total capital required for the construction would be borne by the consumers.

The construction is being done by the Asiatic-Himal JV, Argakhanchi.