Drought in Mekong Delta region (Source: VNA) Director of the Department of Crops ProductionNguyen Hong Son said the agency aims to build a crop structure map for the wholeregion. However, it cannot cover small areas in the region but only largesub-regions such Dong Thap Muoi and Long Xuyen quadrilateral, Ca Mau Peninsulaand coastal areas, and alluvium areas.
According to Dr. Bui Tan Yen from the Research Programme onClimate Change, Agriculture and Food Security inSoutheast Asia, the Mekong Delta region is negatively impacted by climatechange, especially drought, saline intrusion and flooding.
He said it is necessary to apply different adaptive solutions to each localityin the region.
He also noted the lack of coordination among regional localities in responding toclimate change as well as in building long-term response plans, stressing theneed to build disaster risk maps and enhance links among relevant sectors.
Luong Quang Xo, Vice Director of the Southern Irrigation Science Research Institute, said the agency is working with the Department of CropsProduction to build disaster risk maps, laying a foundation for localitiesto reschedule crops, thus reducing production costs and avoiding risks.
Participants recommended solutions to the issue, including storing water for thedry season and growing crops that require less water among others.
According to Dr. Le Quang Tri, Director of the Climate Change Research Institute of the Can Tho University, the MekongDelta is facing six risks including climate change and rising sea level; hydroelectricitydevelopment in Mekong River; increasing population and migration; over-exploitationof natural resources; change of land use; and land, water and air pollution.
Regional farmers concurrently meet many difficulties, and they need solutionsthat help them effectively adapt to climate change and improve livelihoods, hestressed.-VNA
VNA
