The effectiveness of applying drip irrigation technology.

(Baonghean) - Promoting the application of science and technology is an urgent requirement to increase the value of agricultural production. In recent years, Tan Ky district has successfully implemented several models of applying science and technology to crop cultivation, contributing to improved economic efficiency and enriching the lives of the people.

With nearly 8,000 hectares of sugarcane, Tan Ky is considered one of the key sugarcane production areas in the province. However, the majority of the sugarcane growing area is planned for cultivation on hilly land with poor soil fertility, coupled with harsh weather conditions, making sugarcane farming quite difficult. These days, in Tan Long, Giai Xuan, Tan An, and other areas, many sugarcane fields show signs of leaf burn and stunted growth due to water shortages during the prolonged hot weather.

Applying drip irrigation technology to sugarcane (running rubber pipes under the roots) in Nghia Dung commune (Tan Ky district).

However, in Nghia Dung, on the Mua hillside, a contrasting scene unfolds: the entire hill is covered in lush green sugarcane. Upon inquiry, it was revealed that this is the sugarcane plantation of Mr. Thieu Thanh Long's family, covering 7.3 hectares. Thanks to the drip irrigation method, the sugarcane here has continued to grow normally even during the recent drought. Mr. Long explained: “In previous years, during the peak of the hot season, many sugarcane plants died from scorching heat, and the remaining ones were stunted due to lack of water. To irrigate, we had to drag hoses dozens of meters across the large area on the hillside, making it extremely complicated and requiring many workers. Even then, the results were not very effective. Furthermore, fertilizing required plowing furrows, applying fertilizer, and then covering it with soil – a laborious process, but a single heavy rain could wash everything away. Now, thanks to the drip irrigation method invested in by Song Con Sugarcane Company, our family's sugarcane plantation is thriving, ensuring a good income for the next harvest.”

Learn more about this drip irrigation system at another sugarcane farm in Tan Long commune, Mr. Luu Quang Minh, owner of over 3 hectares, shared: “This irrigation system has two main parts: a pumping station and water pipes. The pumping station has equipment to control the irrigation mode, mix fertilizers and pesticides. When in operation, water and the mixtures are channeled through branch pipes and then distributed into smaller pipes to deeply irrigate each plant. Therefore, we can precisely control the amount of irrigation water and fertilizer without fear of being washed away by rain. So even in hot weather, the soil still has just the right amount of moisture, and the sugarcane plants are strong and healthy. By the middle of the fourth month, the plants have already developed strong internodes, whereas normally it takes until the fifth month.”

Caring for sugarcane plants on Mua Hill, Nghia Dung commune (Tan Ky district).

Reportedly, the sugarcane growing areas mentioned above are being used by Song Con Sugarcane Joint Stock Company for a trial run to ensure stable sugarcane raw material development. By providing seeds, fertilizers, and investing in a trial irrigation system, growers will be paid through their sugarcane yield at the end of the season. Mr. Nguyen Sy Hai, Head of the Raw Material Development Department of Song Con Sugarcane Joint Stock Company, said: “This is the first sugarcane crop applying this method on 20 hectares for 4 households in the most challenging communes of the district. Initial assessments after 5 months of testing show that the model brings many clear benefits. The estimated total investment cost for this irrigation system ranges from 50 to 60 million VND/ha. However, with just a one-time investment, the system can be used effectively for 5 to 7 years. Normally, sugarcane yield only reaches around 60 tons/ha, but with this irrigation method, sugarcane yield can be increased to 100 tons per hectare.”

The system is quite simple to operate and use. Farmers only need to run the pump for 6 hours each day and check that the pipes are free of sediment that could cause water blockage. For irrigation water, they can utilize natural streams, lakes, and reservoirs near the planting area. Alternatively, they can build ponds or drill wells to store water. On average, each irrigation valve drips about 1 liter of water per hour onto the roots, meaning each hectare only requires about 1.5 to 2 cubic meters of water. Based on the effectiveness of this technology, in addition to the sugarcane irrigation model, farmers in Tan Phu commune and some other communes in Tan Ky district are applying drip and sprinkler irrigation models to pumpkins and other crops, resulting in higher yields and efficiency. The system is managed by opening valves in different areas, saving labor and increasing productivity by 1.5 to 2 times compared to before. Thanks to the readily available irrigation water, farmers have the opportunity to increase crop yields throughout the year, even during the dry season.

THANH QUYNH