Mobile pumps installed to save 120 hectares of summer-autumn rice crop currently in the flowering stage in Nghi Loc.
In Nghi Dong commune (Nghi Loc district), 120 hectares of summer-autumn rice are currently in the flowering stage but are facing a severe water shortage. The irrigation unit has had to install mobile pumps to transfer water from the reservoir to save the rice crop.
At this time of year, in Nghi Dong commune, Nghi Loc district, one can see entire rice fields in the flowering stage, with many areas suffering from drought. Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh, a local resident, said: "My family cultivates 3 sao (approximately 0.3 hectares) of rice, and all of it is currently experiencing water shortages because the Khe Xiem reservoir in Nghi Dong has run dry."
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tam, Chairman of the Nghi Dong Commune People's Committee, added: The entire commune has over 120 hectares of summer-autumn rice and 50 hectares of corn and peanuts currently suffering from water shortages due to the Khe Xiem reservoir drying up. In response to this situation, since August 15th, the Nghi Loc Irrigation Enterprise has coordinated with the local authorities to deploy two large-capacity mobile diesel pumps to draw water from the reservoir to save the rice crops..
The mobile pumping system draws water from the reservoir and pumps it into the N1 canal. The water supply is managed according to the principle of "irrigating higher ground first, then lower ground." Irrigation workers coordinate with villagers in the hamlets and communes to bring water directly to the fields, and the commune authorities promote and encourage people to use water sparingly.
A representative from Nam Irrigation One-Member Limited Liability Company stated that two large-capacity mobile diesel pumps have pumped 1,080 cubic meters of water from the reservoir.3Pumping will be carried out 24/7, and the pumping period is expected to last 8-10 days to meet the irrigation needs of the rice crop, as the rice is currently in a crucial flowering stage.
According to information from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nghi Loc district, the entire district currently has 40 reservoirs, with water levels only reaching 30-35%, and many reservoirs are completely depleted. Currently, the district is directing communes with rice fields experiencing water shortages to utilize surface water sources such as ponds, lakes, and abandoned rivers, and to use mobile diesel pumps to save the rice crops. Farmers are advised to use water sparingly to ensure the healthy growth of their rice plants.
