Irrigation eased for wheat crops after water release in Gandak canal

By Deepak Prasad Gautam,Birgunj, Jan. 12: India’s release of water into the Gandak canal from December 30 this year has eased irrigation for approximately 18,000 hectares of wheat crops spread across Parsa to Rautahat.

According to Manoj Prasad Patel, Chief of the Narayani Irrigation Management Office, Birgunj, India released water into the canal from its starting point on December 30. 

The water reached Block 13 in Rautahat via Parsa and Bara by January 3. 

Initially, a small amount of water is released into the canal to prevent any accidents, and it is gradually increased to 850 cusecs, as per the agreement between the two countries, he informed. 

Currently, about 475 cusecs of water released by India is flowing into the canal, said Suresh Prasad Sah, an engineer at the Narayani Irrigation Management Office.

The Gandak Canal, which stretches 81 kilometres from Parsa to Rautahat with an irrigation capacity of approximately 37,400 hectares, has facilitated irrigation for about 20,000 hectares of wheat crops this year, thanks to the timely release of water.

As per the agreement, India is to release 850 cusecs of water for paddy crops from Nepali month, Asar 15 to Kartik 15 and for wheat crops from Poush 15 to Falgun 15.

Farmers now need water to irrigate their wheat crops. Farmers on the southern side of the canal are using the canal water for irrigation.

In previous years, delays in water release into the Gandak canal forced farmers to rely on expensive alternatives like pump sets and boring for wheat crop irrigation. 

However, timely water release this year has eliminated this need, bringing relief to farmers.

Farmers have also noted that the recent cold spell and frost have benefited their wheat crops.