Can Tho strengthens digitalization in irrigation system management for smart agriculture.

DNVN - In order to serve agricultural production, prevent natural disasters, and adapt to climate change, Can Tho city is strengthening the application of digital technology in the management and operation of irrigation systems - an important step towards smart and sustainable agriculture.

Digital technology promotes more efficient water management.

Following the merger of Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces, Can Tho became the largest irrigation center in the Southwest region of Vietnam, with a system of rivers, canals, and irrigation headworks stretching over 12,881 km, playing a crucial role in agricultural production and ensuring the safety of its residents.

Applying modern technology: Can Tho aims for smart irrigation management.

To meet the demands for continuous connectivity, monitoring, and operation of diverse types of irrigation works, the city has proactively integrated digital technology solutions into its operational activities. One example is the Flood Risk Management Information System (FRMIS) project, which operates fully automatically with the ability to forecast water levels, rainfall, and simulate flood scenarios to provide early warnings and control the opening and closing of water regulating gates accordingly.

In large-scale projects, the operational control equipment – ​​such as at the Rach Mop combined sluice gate and lock – is integrated with a Supervisory Control and Automated Control System (SCADA). This system continuously measures and records water level and environmental data, transmitting it to the control center. This allows for the automation of sluice gate valve adjustments using hydraulic cylinders, enabling proactive water regulation to serve the production and livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

The presence of digital technology extends not only to the central control center but also to the local level, with numerous mobile applications assisting in incident reporting and irrigation management, contributing to data transparency and improved operational efficiency.

Digitizing data and information maps on irrigation – a powerful tool for management.

To meet the requirements of flexible management, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City has collaborated in building a digitized map of the entire irrigation system, integrating map layers according to the type of structure and marking locations at risk of landslides. This helps authorities easily observe, search, and make accurate decisions, especially in the context of increasingly complex climate change.

The Department has also deployed a network of automated monitoring stations, including 20 rain gauge stations, 10 water level monitoring stations, and 2 urban flood monitoring stations, directly connected to the digital system to provide timely and accurate data, effectively supporting the operation of irrigation works in the area.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Nhon, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, said that the city has coordinated with the Southern Institute of Water Resources Science to build a digitized map of the irrigation system, which helps to guide and manage agricultural production, prevent and mitigate natural disasters, and stabilize people's lives.

Although the application of digital technology has brought many advantages, the management and operation of irrigation systems still require highly qualified personnel and a well-organized operational structure. In the coming time, Can Tho and central agencies will continue to invest in modern irrigation projects, while building a team of competent officials to operate and maximize the efficiency of these projects.

Nguyen Bach

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/chuyen-doi-so/can-tho-tang-cuong-so-hoa-trong-quan-ly-he-thong-thuy-loi-vi-nong-nghiep-thong-minh/20251212053022290