Water arrives in the semi-arid region.

In a semi-arid region where farming had relied on rain for years, the water from the Tan My irrigation system has opened a new chapter for agricultural production in the communes of My Son, Xuan Hai, Thuan Bac, and part of Do Vinh ward. Beyond solving the drought problem, the project also lays the foundation for restructuring farming spaces towards concentration, standardizing production processes, increasing value per unit area, promoting high-tech and organic agriculture, and fostering sustainable adaptation to climate change.

Bringing water back using new technology.

In the early morning in Xuan Hai commune, the sun rises quickly and intensely, the characteristic sunlight of this semi-arid region. The rice fields, where the rice plants are developing their panicles, are bathed in a golden glow. Not far away, rows of lush green asparagus receive fine, even streams of water, creating arcs on the cracked earth. At the end of the field, one plot remains empty, awaiting the completion of the irrigation system. These are three cross-sections of the same area irrigated by the Tan My irrigation system: Water is available, water is waiting, and water was once scarce.

Secondary and tertiary canals are being gradually completed, closing the irrigation network and maximizing the designed capacity of the project.

Before the Tan My irrigation system was completed, most of the cultivated land in the communes of My Son, Xuan Hai, Thuan Bac, and part of Do Vinh ward depended almost entirely on rain. Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, a farmer from Xuan Hai commune, recalled that time: "Farming depended on the weather. Some years, droughts lasted so long that entire fields were left uncultivated. Even a single harvest was uncertain."

Land is not scarce in this area, with an average of about 0.8 hectares per household. The primary workforce accounts for nearly 60% of the population. However, the key variable remains water. Survey data from 2023 shows that the average income in the area reached approximately 37.3 million VND/person/year, a figure that accurately reflects the precarious reality of production under prolonged drought conditions. Ironically, the climate with abundant sunshine and little rainfall is a rare advantage if irrigation is managed effectively. High temperatures help crops accumulate dry matter well, increasing sweetness and the quality of agricultural products. Therefore, the challenge is not just combating drought, but exploiting the advantages of the arid land with a modern and stable irrigation system.

Then, the Tan My irrigation system was invested in with closed-pressure steel pipe canal technology, supplying water to 7,480 hectares; the main canal alone serves nearly 4,032 hectares. Unlike traditional open canals, pressure steel pipes help reduce losses due to evaporation and seepage, maintain stable pressure, and facilitate direct connection to drip irrigation and automatic sprinkler systems. Mr. Nguyen Duc Thuan, Head of the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, stated: "Currently, the area with water supply has reached approximately 39.1%; it is expected to reach 3,373 hectares by the end of 2026, equivalent to 83.7% of the area under our responsibility; and by 2030, we will have water supply for nearly 4,032 hectares. The noteworthy point is not the infrastructure. Analysis of soil and water shows that heavy metal indicators are all within the permissible limits for agricultural land and meet the conditions for organic production. This is an important foundation for developing VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and moving towards large-scale organic agriculture."

Mr. Quy Minh Trung, Chairman of the People's Committee of My Son commune, observed: "Previously, due to unstable production, it was difficult to attract businesses. Now, with a reliable water source, the locality has the basis to re-plan specialized farming areas and encourage people to participate in cooperatives. The availability of water not only benefits crops but also opens up opportunities for economic development."

Restructuring the value per cubic meter of water

According to Dr. Phan Cong Kien, Deputy Director of the Nha Ho Cotton Research and Agricultural Development Institute, few places simultaneously possess the characteristic arid climate and a standard irrigation water source like this area. However, the arrival of water does not necessarily mean an immediate increase in value. This is because production is still interspersed with many types of crops, the on-farm infrastructure is not yet fully developed and synchronized, and there is a lack of sufficiently large specialized farming areas for businesses to establish linkages and guarantee sales.

The automatic sprinkler irrigation system is directly connected to a pressurized water source, saving water and improving farming efficiency.

Although water has opened the door, stepping through that door requires a different approach to production organization than before. The "Sustainable Agricultural Production Development Project in the Irrigation Area of ​​the Main Canal System of the Tan My Irrigation System until 2030" is built on this principle. According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Thuan, the project's goal is not just to identify key crops, but to reorganize production space, standardize processes, and connect with the market, so that each cubic meter of water generates higher added value. The project will be implemented in three phases. Phase 2025-2026 will focus on completing internal field infrastructure, zoning land, and forming high-quality rice, corn, mung bean, and watermelon growing areas. Phase 2027-2028 will expand specialized cultivation of asparagus, aloe vera, and high-value dryland crops; strengthen cooperatives, and implement guaranteed purchase agreements. During the period 2029-2030, the entire region aims to standardize according to GAP and gradually develop organic and sustainable farming practices.

From the perspective of the people, Mr. Tho expressed: "Having water is a welcome relief, but if everyone does things their own way, the value won't be high. People hope for technical support and connections with businesses to ensure stable production."

Local authorities have identified a comprehensive, collaborative role, from establishing planting area codes and providing guidance on water-saving irrigation to supporting traceability. In the context of increasingly stringent export market standards, a production area designed from the outset with a focus on standardization will have a long-term competitive advantage.

Evening falls over the fields of Xuan Hai. Water flows steadily, quietly, and persistently through the pressurized steel pipes. Young asparagus stalks continue to sprout on the once parched land. From seasons of relying on natural water sources to seasons of proactive water management, Tan My's journey is shifting from infrastructure to management and production organization. When water is no longer a constant worry, the measure of success will lie in how that water is used. If managed correctly, every cubic meter will not only nourish crops but also increase income, stabilize livelihoods, and shape a sustainable high-tech agricultural zone in the southern part of the province.

Speaking at a working session with the Provincial Investment and Construction Project Management Board on the project to complete the secondary and tertiary canals of the Song Cai - Tan My irrigation system, Mr. TRINH MINH HOANG - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee emphasized: Each completed canal not only expands the irrigated area but also creates a foundation for increasing crop yields, switching to high-value crops, applying water-saving irrigation techniques, and producing according to GAP standards. When the secondary and tertiary networks are fully completed, the project will maximize its designed capacity, minimize water loss, and increase the value per unit of cultivated land. This is a consistent requirement to ensure investment efficiency and sustainable development of the Tan My irrigation area.

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Project progress for completing the secondary and tertiary canals of the Song Cai - Tan My irrigation system:

Phase 1: 138 secondary canals, 198 tertiary canals; total length over 91km; package 24 reached 60% completion; package 25 reached 88% completion; package 26 has been completed. Phase 2 adds 32 secondary canals, 25 tertiary canals; total length over 42km; package 42 reached 43% completion; package 43 reached 30% completion. Phase 3: Package 50 reached approximately 10% of the contract value; package 51 reached approximately 75% of the contract value.

YOUTH

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/kinh-te/202603/nuoc-ve-tren-vung-dat-ban-kho-han-22709a9/