The central coastal province of Binh Dinh is setting aside over 39 billion VND (1.8 million USD) to reinforce more than 96km of its irrigation system.

The investment is intended to prevent drought and modernise rural areas, according to Director of the provincial irrigation exploitation and management company, Nguyen Van Phu.

It also aims to provide more water for 10,000ha of crops in the province.

Communes that fulfilled the criteria for new-style rural areas in 2011-2015 will receive support in order to build nearly 39.7km of canals, thus providing irrigation for more than 2,600ha of crops.

In the 2015-2020 period, those expected to be recognised as new-style rural areas will receive assistance for the construction of 87km of canals, benefitting over 4,900ha of plants.

From 2020 onwards, authorities will help the remaining communes build more than 65km of canals and provide water for over 2,750ha of crop.-VNA