Durian farmers proactively respond to saltwater intrusion.

DTO - According to forecasts, this year's dry season will see severe drought and saltwater intrusion, directly affecting agricultural production, especially fruit orchards. In Chau Thanh district, which has a large area of ​​durian orchards – a crop with high economic value – durian trees are very sensitive to saline water sources. Therefore, farmers are very concerned about the saltwater intrusion situation in order to have response plans to protect their specialty fruit orchards.

Farmers in Chau Thanh district choose to grow durian because of its high economic value.

Currently, many durian growers in Chau Thanh district are dredging and clearing mud from their irrigation ditches to provide nutrients for the durian trees and to store water for irrigation during the dry season. Mr. Nguyen Hung Cuong, a farmer in Phu Huu commune, Chau Thanh district, said: “This year, hearing about saltwater intrusion deep into the delta region, I took the opportunity to clear the ditches to retain water. In case of saltwater intrusion, I can use water from the ditches to irrigate, ensuring that the trees are not damaged.”

Along with proactively securing irrigation water during the dry season, farmers are equipping themselves with salinity meters to check water quality and prepare appropriate irrigation plans for each stage of plant growth. Mr. Doan Thanh Liem, residing in Phu Huu commune, said: "Currently, most durian growers buy salinity meters and use them daily. When the water level reaches about half the river, they start measuring to plan their irrigation."

Durian orchards are equipped with salinity meters.

In addition, the Chau Thanh District People's Committee has also equipped the Department of Agriculture and Environment and the communes and towns with salinity meters to measure, check, and update the salinity levels of water sources daily, promptly informing farmers so they can take appropriate countermeasures. "For now, we only advise farmers to monitor the salinity levels and store water for irrigation. We also recommend that farmers adopt more scientific, advanced, and water-saving irrigation methods to reduce costs and conserve resources," shared Phan Thanh Dung, Vice Chairman of the Chau Thanh District People's Committee.

Currently, Chau Thanh district has over 1,700 hectares of durian orchards, a crop with high economic efficiency. Therefore, proactive responses from the people and local authorities are essential for the sustainable development of durian cultivation in Chau Thanh.

Thanh Du

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/kinh-te/nong-dan-trong-sau-rieng-chu-dong-ung-pho-xam-nhap-man-130248.aspx