El Nino causes estimated loss of 12 billion VND for Long An province

Long An(VNA) – El Nino has aggravated drought and salinisation in the Mekong Delta province of Long An, affecting nearly 3,300 hectares of rice in Can Duoc and Can Giuoc districts.

Le Van Hoang, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said another 10,500 hectares of paddy fields in Duc Hoa, Ben Luc and Tan Tru districts may be without adequate water due to the weather patterns. Total losses were estimated at 12 billion VND (roughly 540,000 USD).

According to the official, as 2015 saw prolonged heat waves, the department teamed up with competent agencies to bring water from the Tien River to the Vam Co Tay River. It plans to feed the Vam Co Dong River with water from Dau Tieng Lake.

The department has also instructed agencies and district People’s Committees to keep a close watch on water quality in rivers, while encouraging locals to take the initiative in storing up water for farming and using the natural resources economically. They should not use water from salinised areas.

The department urged relevant units to inspect culverts regularly to prevent salinity from leaking into rice fields.-VNA