Reporter : Phak Seangly

Nearly all of the 93,583 hectares of drought-affected rice fields across 17 provinces and the capital, have been irrigated since December last year, announced the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology.

On Sunday, March 23, the ministry noted that the total planned area for dry-season rice cultivation nationwide in 2024-2025 was 535,600 hectares. However, actual cultivation reached 907,035 hectares.

Intervention efforts to pump water to rice and mixed crops provided irrigation to 93,133 of the 93,583 hectares which required assistance.

A total of 173 water pumps were used in these operations, consisting of 169 mobile pumps and four stationary pumps. The pumping efforts consumed 344,480 litres of fuel.

Operations took place in Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Kandal, Kratie, Prey Veng, Pursat, Siem Reap,SvayRieng, Takeo, Pailin, TbongKhmum, Kampong Chhnang and Oddar Meanchey provinces, as well as Phnom Penh.

Some areas received additional assistance from private donors and local government task forces.

Water pumps refill irrigation canals. Dry-season rice cultivation once again exceeded the planned 535,000 hectares by almost double. Water resources ministry

The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) stated that due to lower-than-average rainfall since the third week of February, water levels were insufficient to meet the needs of dry-season rice, which had exceeded planned cultivation in several key producing provinces.

This means the crops will require ongoing support until the harvest is complete.

The NCDM noted that while most drought-affected rice fields were saved by prompt action, yields in some areas declined slightly.

In February, NCDM reported that drought conditions had impacted 99,289 hectares of rice and 1,557 hectares of other crops. Of these, 85,951 hectares received intervention, with an additional 5,672 hectares still receiving support across nine provinces.

However, 7,735 hectares across nine provinces suffered damage.

The 2025 rainy season is expected to begin in the second week of May, earlier than in 2024, with above-average rainfall compared to most years.

The water resources ministry highlighted that its irrigation intervention work was carried out in close cooperation with provincial water resource departments, relevant ministries, the NCDM, sub-national authorities, land administration officials, private donors and local communities.

As the ministry responsible for water resources, the ministry is continuing to educate relevant institutions, sub-national authorities and the public to conserve and use water efficiently, especially in remote rural areas far from water sources.

The ministry emphasised that water intervention is an urgent matter, and has been prioritised by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Published Date: March 24, 2025