Workshop discusses sustainable irrigation development

Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the World Bank jointly organised a workshop on irrigation development strategy to 2030 with a vision towards 2050.

MARD Deputy Minister Hoang Van Thang hailed the irrigation sector’s achievements over the past years, saying that the sector has served well the economy, particularly the agricultural sector.

Thang also highlighted the shortcomings in the sector as well as challenges facing it amid climate change.

According to Thang, the sector needs to develop a multi-dimensional vision in line with the agriculture reform while mobilising resources and seeking a new impetus for irrigation development.

Pham Hung Cuong, a senior expert from the World Bank Vietnam said in order to ensure sustainable irrigation development in terms of socio-economic and environmental aspects, the sector needs to focus on enhancing agricultural added values.

He suggested the sector encourage the participation of beneficiaries and different economic sectors in building, managing, exploiting and protecting irrigation works.

The irrigation sector should also adapt to climate change, contributing to preventing natural disasters, and protecting the environment and water resource management, Cuong said.

As part of activities to implement the national irrigation development strategy, from 2009 to 2016, a number of large irrigational works had been built, including Cua Dat, Ngan Truoi – Cam Trang, Ban Mong, Ta Trach, and Van Phong.

Over 65,000 kilometres of canals had been reinforced, accounting for 25.7 percent of the nation’s total 235,000-kilometre canal network, hundreds of reservoirs and thousands of kilometres of dike upgraded, and storm-and flood-proof shelters built.-VNA