Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Nghia Hieu directed to save rice in Hung Nguyen and Nghi Loc

The heat wave that has lasted for more than two months has caused many rice fields in Hung Nguyen district to wither. Photo: Phu Huong

Over 11,000 hectares of crops affected by drought

Local reports show that as of July 17, Nghi Loc district had nearly 3,000 hectares of rice affected by drought, of which nearly 900 hectares were severely drought-stricken and showing signs of dying; it is expected that if there is no rain in the next 10 days, all 5,590 hectares of rice in Nghi Loc will not have water for irrigation, of which 3,000 hectares are likely to die.

In Hung Nguyen, there are currently 1,500 hectares of rice affected by drought, of which 800 hectares are severely drought-affected and 400 hectares are at risk of being burned.

People in Hung Thong commune (Hung Nguyen) install a field pumping station to save rice. Photo: Phu Huong

According to information from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, up to now, the total area of ​​crops affected by drought and water shortage in Nghe An has reached over 11,213 hectares, of which, the rice area is over 8,972 hectares (5,554 hectares of severe drought); 1,562 hectares of vegetables, 298 hectares of tea and 381 hectares of fruit trees.

Nghe An is currently experiencing severe and intense heat, the area of ​​crops damaged by drought is increasing day by day, especially rice.

Hung Chau pumping station focuses on pumping water to irrigate rice fields and fight drought. Photo: Phu Huong

Rotating irrigation, reserving water for downstream areas

Through on-site inspections in two localities, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Hoang Nghia Hieu emphasized: The most important thing now is to create a water source using input bars and regulate water sources from hydropower plants. The Southern Irrigation Company must assign 24/7 duty to open the gates to receive water to create a source when the water level rises as well as block and retain water when the water level falls.

The water channel of Nghi Phuong Pumping Station No. 1 (Nghi Loc) is almost dry because the water source on Khe Cai River has been dry since the beginning of the season. Photo: Phu Huong

At the same time, review pumping stations to find solutions to create water sources for irrigation, actively irrigate if there is water; closely coordinate with localities, mobilize field pumps to pump water to rescue drought-stricken rice areas. Focus on dredging and clearing streams so that pumping stations can operate effectively to save rice.

Nghi Loc focuses on dredging canals to increase water supply capacity. Photo: Phu Huong

"The most optimal solution at present is to irrigate in rotation, prioritizing rice areas that need to be saved and are being saved first, while reserving water for localities at the end of the system" - the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee stated clearly and assigned the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to preside over and discuss with districts to calculate the plan and implement rotational irrigation.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and leaders of the Irrigation Department discussed the irrigation pumping plan at Pumping Station No. 17, Hung Tay Commune (Hung Nguyen). Photo: Phu Huong

Accordingly, Nghi Loc can be prioritized for pumping first, then Hung Nguyen and Nam Dan. However, it is necessary to analyze and discuss to create unity and consensus in local conditions, everyone needs and wants irrigation water first.

Early next week, the Provincial People's Committee will chair and discuss with localities across the province to agree on a plan to combat drought for crops during the current hot weather.