Ministry to tackle drought

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dao Xuan Hoc spoke to Nguoi Lao Dong (The Labourer) newspaper about the country-wide drought and plans to mitigate it

There is a drought occurring across the country, especially in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta. Has the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development asked the Government to support affected people?

The ministry has sent inspection groups to localities affected by drought and saltwater intrusion to work with local authorities and take measures to mitigate their impacts.

But the fresh-water shortage and saltwater intrusion in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta have become severe.

The ministry has instructed its Departments of Cultivation and Irrigation and other relevant departments and agencies to restructure the crop cultivation schedule, cultivation area, and crops to suit the situation.

After summarising the damage caused by the drought, the ministry will report to the Government and may petition the Government to support affected people.

Drought and saltwater intrusion are occurring everywhere. Are they being caused because of problems with irrigation systems?

Irrigation zoning in the Hong (Red) Delta and irrigation works in the Hong Delta are still able to serve agriculture.

The central region has also completed several irrigation works in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and other provinces.

In the south, large irrigation works may not have become perfect but have improved their effectiveness. Irrigation works in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle and Dong Thap Muoi (Plain of Reed) areas have improved alum – and salt-affected lands to increase crop yields.

However, climate change, with its heavy rainfall and prolonged droughts, and rapid urbanisation in recent years have upset irrigation systems, leaving them unable to cope with the current situation.

Does the ministry plan to tweak irrigation systems to cope with the current situation?

The ministry is building a general irrigation zoning plan for the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta, the Red River Delta, and the central region for up to 2030 on the basic of factoring in climate change and rise in seawater levels.

Irrigation projects planned to be built during this period will be completed soon.

Every irrigation project developed from now must be able to cope with the situation prevalent 20 years later.

Based on the plan, the ministry will have irrigation systems that can meet the requirement of both protecting people and enabling two rice crops a year.

Does Viet Nam plan to socialise irrigation?

The ministry has issued a circular on devolving management, exploitation, and protecting irrigation projects on individuals and organisations.

The circular is an important basis for individuals and organisation to participate in investing in and managing irrigation works. — VNS