Economic boost from Dau Tieng Reservoir

Dau Tieng Lake, the largest irrigation project in Southeast Asia, not only provides water for agricultural production but also serves as a resource for developing high-tech agriculture, aquaculture, and ecosystem conservation. The efficient and strategic exploitation of Dau Tieng Lake will create a boost for the agricultural sector in the Southeast region in general and Tay Ninh province in particular, contributing to making this area a modern and sustainable agricultural center.

Canals overflowing with fresh water meander through the rice fields.

Greening arid lands

Before the construction of the main canal and the Duc Hoa irrigation area, part of the Phuoc Hoa irrigation system from Dau Tieng Lake, many agricultural lands in Duc Hoa district, Long An province (formerly), were often barren and difficult to cultivate during the dry season. Since the Phuoc Hoa canal system came into operation in December 2015, with over 182km of water channels, the problem of water shortage for production during the dry season has been solved.

The canals are solidly and widely constructed, maintaining a steady flow and creating an irrigation system that supplies water to thousands of hectares of agricultural land. Along the canals are lush green rice paddies and thriving vegetable crops, replacing the previously barren fields. As a result, farmers can not only grow three rice crops per year but also increase yields, from 3-3.5 tons/ha to 7-7.5 tons/ha.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ha (residing in Hiep Hoa commune) said: “Previously, farmers mainly grew industrial crops, but due to a lack of irrigation water, the yield was very low. Since the Phuoc Hoa canal system was put into use, production has become much more convenient. In particular, rice production has doubled, and people's lives have improved. As for vegetables, which were almost impossible to grow during the dry season, they now thrive year-round.”

Besides providing irrigation water, Dau Tieng Reservoir also limits the impact of saltwater intrusion on agricultural areas. From 2023 to July 2025, Dau Tieng Reservoir released more than 500 million cubic meters of freshwater into the irrigation system of Long An province (formerly), helping to minimize damage caused by saltwater intrusion and protect crops for farmers.

According to Trang Tan Tai, Director of the Provincial Center for Irrigation and Clean Water, “The unit has advised the Department of Agriculture and Environment to develop a water supply plan for agriculture and industry from 2026-2028. This plan has been sent to the Southern Irrigation Exploitation One-Member Limited Company for coordination, adjustment, and implementation of water supply in accordance with the actual situation after the merger of Tay Ninh and Long An provinces.”

According to forecasts, the area of ​​agricultural land supplied with water from Dau Tieng Lake will reach 213,476 hectares by 2025, of which approximately 139,940 hectares will be directly irrigated and 73,537 hectares will be supplied with water from alternative sources. From 2026-2028, the irrigated area will remain at 213,642 hectares each year, of which approximately 137,187 hectares will be directly irrigated and 76,455 hectares will be supplied with water from alternative sources.

"To protect agricultural production during the dry season, the Center will release water through the Phuoc Hoi - Ben Dinh drainage canal system at a flow rate of 5 m³/s, supporting water source creation and maintaining flow, while pushing back salinity and preserving freshwater in the Vam Co Dong River," Mr. Trang Tan Tai emphasized.

Attracting major investors

Dau Tieng Lake plays a particularly important role in providing water for agriculture.

With a stable water supply from Dau Tieng Lake, Tay Ninh province not only develops traditional agriculture but also becomes an attractive destination for investors in high-tech agriculture. Among them, large corporations such as De Heus Group (Netherlands) and Hung Nhon Group have chosen Tay Ninh as the location to implement the DHN Tay Ninh high-tech agricultural complex, a leading project in the region.

In addition, the Irrigation Project in the area west of the Vam Co Dong River - Phase 1 was completed and put into operation at the end of 2022, contributing to attracting investment in the province by providing water to businesses such as Hung Thinh Co., Ltd., Vietnam Dairy Cattle Company Limited (Vinamilk) - Tay Ninh Dairy Farm (approximately 250ha), and Thanh Thanh Cong Company (TTC) Tay Ninh - TTC Ben Cau Farm (approximately 150ha).

Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen Phuong (owner of a clean vegetable farm in Tan Ninh ward) said: "A clean vegetable farm needs a reliable and unpolluted water source for irrigation. Dau Tieng Lake, with its abundant water reserves, provides a suitable water source for the farm's high-tech agricultural model. Thanks to the automatic drip irrigation and misting system, the water from the lake not only maintains moisture for the plants but also limits pests and diseases. With a clean and stable water source, we are confident in producing VietGAP-certified vegetables, earning consumer trust and contributing to building the brand of clean agricultural products in Tay Ninh."

The Phuoc Hoa irrigation system draws freshwater from Dau Tieng Lake to irrigate the fields during the dry season.

Recognizing the potential of the water resources of Dau Tieng Lake, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan (owner of a circular economy model in Duong Minh Chau commune) came up with the idea of ​​raising freshwater fish combined with growing fruit trees. “My circular economy model is sustainable thanks to the water from Dau Tieng Lake. Because of this water source, I save a lot on operating costs, thus increasing profits. I think that if we utilize it well, the water from Dau Tieng Lake will be a great opportunity for those who want to be involved in agriculture,” said Mr. Tuan.

With abundant water resources from Dau Tieng Lake, Tay Ninh province has a great opportunity to become a high-tech agricultural center in the Southeast region. Effectively utilizing the water resources from Dau Tieng Lake will not only help solve drought and saltwater intrusion problems but also promote sustainable agricultural production, enhance product value, and contribute to the sustainable economic development of the region.

With a surface area of ​​up to 270 km² and a storage capacity of over 1.58 billion m³ of freshwater, Dau Tieng Lake plays a particularly important role in providing water for agricultural production. A system of canals and ditches stretching over 2,000 km carries water from the lake to agricultural areas, irrigating more than 100,000 hectares of cultivated land each year.

Yen Nhi - Nhat Mai

Source: https://baolongan.vn/cu-hich-kinh-te-tu-ho-dau-tieng-a199702.html