Toll on Dak Lak crops rising as dry season nears peak

Dak Lak (VNA) – Up to 36,961ha of crops in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak have suffered from water shortages as of April 4, a figure predicted to continue growing as the dry season is near its peak.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Tuan Ha said the heaviest toll is on coffee with more than 29,348ha affected, increasing by 15,700ha from the corresponding period last year.

Krong Buk district has the largest impacted coffee area (8,588ha), followed by Cu M’gar (6,000ha), Krong Nang (over 5,370ha), and Ea H’Leo (over 4,530ha).

Nearly 4,000ha of land under wet rice and another 1,494ha under pepper have dried up, he said, adding that the total loss due to water scarcity has exceeded 1.11 trillion VND (49.95 million USD).

Additionally, 20,160 families across the province are experiencing a lack of water for daily use.

While about 250 irrigation works and almost all streams and wells in Dak Lak have run dry, the water level of big rivers has receded by 0.4 – 2 metres, Ha added.

Local authorities have advised local residents about using water efficiently and delivered water to residential areas. The natives were also helped to dredge rivers, streams and lakes, dig wells and build concentrated water supply facilities.

Water shortage is forecast to impact more than 80,000ha of crops and 30,000 families in the province by late April.-VNA