Illustrative image (Photo: Khmer Times) Hanoi (VNA) – Peoplein rural areas in the Cambodian northwestern provinces of Pursat and Battambanghave been suffering from water shortage for more than four months, reported theCambodia’s Khmer Times.
The article said agricultureis a driving factor for Cambodia’s economy, but despite having land and naturalwater sources, irrigation system development is lacking.
In 2016, the JapanInternational Cooperation Agency granted concessional loans worth 60 million USDto rehabilitate and restore West Tonle Sap irrigation system.
Therestoration project targets six areas in the provinces of Kampong Chhnang,Pursat and Battambang, where about 8,500 families and more than 13,000ha willbenefit.
Theproject is currently 90 percent completed.
DeputyDirector of the Battambang Agriculture Department In Sovanmony said some of the360,000ha of land used to cultivate rice in the province are affected bydrought.
CambodianPrime Minister Hun Sen issued a directive in November 2019 calling on farmersto limit production due to the lack of water./.
