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A total of 1,440 small irrigation projects have been completed in 59 local units across eight districts of Koshi Province, extending irrigation facilities to 25,093 hectares of farmland.

The projects were jointly funded by the Swiss government, which contributed 30 percent of the cost, while the federal and provincial governments each provided 20 percent. Local governments also contributed 20 percent, with the remaining 10 percent coming from local water users' associations.

According to the Programme Management and Implementation Support Consultant, the projects have benefited 61,040 households.

The irrigation schemes, implemented in Ilam, Panchthar, Terhathum, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Khotang, Udayapur and Okhaldhunga, were completed at a total cost of Rs 5.03 billion.

Team leader Gunaraj Shrestha said the new irrigation facilities have increased monsoon paddy productivity by 44 percent and spring maize yields by 59 percent. Farmers are now able to cultivate multiple crops on the same land within a year.

"Cropping intensity has increased by 33 percent, meaning farmers can grow crops more frequently on the same farmland," Shrestha said.

The consultant said 94 percent of the completed projects remain operational three years after completion. The remaining schemes have suffered damage from floods, landslides and road expansion.

Under the programme, projects worth Rs 2.25 billion were completed in 14 local units of Ilam and Panchthar, providing irrigation to 10,172 hectares of farmland, according to Keshav Lama of the Fikkal Cluster.

The projects were implemented in nine local units of Ilam, excluding Chulachuli Rural Municipality, and in Phalelung, Miklajung, Phalgunanda and Yangwarak rural municipalities, as well as Phidim Municipality in Panchthar.

A total of 20,222 households in the 14 local units now have access to irrigation.

Farmers say the schemes have significantly improved agricultural production. Indra Shrestha of Ektappa, Ward 6 of Fakphokthum Rural Municipality in Ilam, said crops frequently failed because of water shortages before the canals were built.

"Now that irrigation canals have reached our village, we are very happy. They have brought relief to many farmers," he said.

Lama said local water users' associations will be responsible for the long term operation, maintenance and conservation of the irrigation canals.

The completed schemes fall under the programme's second phase. Preparations are now underway to launch third phase irrigation projects in additional local governments.

By Bhim Chapagain