Taing Rinith / Khmer Times.

Yim Bunrom, Director of the Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology in Banteay Meanchey, spearheaded a critical intervention in collaboration with local authorities and water-using farming communities. The effort involved opening the water gates of the Trapaing Thmar Reservoir to irrigate approximately 8,300 hectares of farmland in Phnom Srok and Preah Net Preah districts.

Bunrom said that the cooperative effort was carried out with the approval and directive of Oum Reatrey, Governor of Banteay Meanchey. He noted that the intervention would allow for sufficient water supply to ensure timely irrigation for rice crops in the communes of Sras Chik and Punley in Phnom Srok district and Tean Kham and Rahal in Preah Net Preah district.

“The goal is to provide enough water across all targeted areas to ensure that the remaining rice crops are properly irrigated before it’s too late,” Bunrom said. “The department, together with local authorities and farming communities, will continue monitoring and supervising the process to ensure the goal is achieved.”

This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to boost rice production in the province during the 2024-2025 dry season. The department has already notified all relevant institutions at every level about the planned water usage for the upcoming rice cultivation season, which spans 16,000 hectares. As of December 31, 2024, over 65,000 hectares of rice crops have already been irrigated, surpassing the initial target by over 400%.

Bunrom added that the provincial authorities are focused on ensuring that water resources are allocated efficiently to meet agricultural needs while also addressing the challenges posed by insufficient water supplies in the Mongkul Borei and Serey Sophorn reservoirs, which are currently facing water shortages that have impacted daily use.

“We urge all people to cooperate by refraining from using water for nonessential purposes, especially for irrigation, as we focus on saving and distributing water for rice cultivation,” he added.

Oeurng Chantha, a spokesman for the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, announced last week that the ministry plans to construct additional irrigation systems to mitigate water shortages during the dry season.

“The Ministry’s vision is to build more reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure while strengthening water management to ensure greater efficiency,” Chantha said.

In some provinces, including Pursat, water shortages have led to the suspension of second rice crop production during the dry season.

Areas such as Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, and Banteay Meanchey experience annual water scarcity issues during the cultivation of the second rice crop.

Published Date: January 5, 2025