Draft irrigation law promises better life for farmers

Hanoi (VNA) – The draft law on irrigation presented at the second meeting of the 14th National Assembly is expected to ensure requirements of sustainable socio-economic development, especially the development of agriculture and rural areas, thus helping improve the material and spiritual life of people, including farmers.

Le Viet Chu, a deputy from the central province of Quang Ngai, suggested expanding the law’s coverage to the management and use of water resources, saying water supply should be restricted to inefficient users.

He also proposed rolling out market-based water pricing policy in order to encourage the economical and efficient use of the resources.

Tran Thi Quoc Khanh, a Hanoi deputy, expressed her approval for transferring irrigation fees to service costs in a bid to avoid wasteful practices and irresponsibility for water resources protection.

To ease difficulties faced by people, especially those in disadvantaged areas, Khanh proposed the Government and relevant ministries and agencies re-evaluate the use of irrigation facilities to ensure the economical use of water as well as the reuse of the resources.

Nguyen Ngoc Phuong from the central province of Quang Binh underlined the need to asset impacts of irrigation facilities on the environment and people’s life, citing great losses caused by irrigation facilities recently.

Ton Ngoc Hanh from the southern province of Binh Phuoc suggested encouraging the involvement of different economic sectors in the construction, management and use of irrigation systems.

However, the State should develop preferential policies and offer tax incentives to investors so as to lure private businesses to this field, the deputy said.-VNA