Bac Ha Irrigation: The 'source' that nourishes highland agriculture

The irrigation system in Bac Ha commune (Lao Cai) is invested in and regularly maintained, ensuring a stable source of irrigation water, effectively serving agricultural production.

Immediately after implementing the two-level government model, the People's Committee of Bac Ha commune, Lao Cai province directed the Economic Department to coordinate with sectors, organizations and villages to review the current situation, synthesize needs, and propose a list of priority infrastructure projects. The commune has established a Commune-level Infrastructure Management Board, assigning irrigation teams in villages to directly operate and maintain the irrigation system.

Bac Ha promotes internal resources and improves the efficiency of exploiting the irrigation system. Photo: Bich Hop.

Currently, the whole commune has 51 irrigation works, including 49 solid dams and 10 temporary dams, with 146.7 km of canals (113.78 km solid and 32.9 km earthen canals). This system ensures irrigation for 978 hectares of two-crop rice and 188.5 hectares of crops, helping farmers stabilize production, increase productivity and improve income.

Mr. Cao The Dai, Head of the Economic Department of Bac Ha Commune, said: “The basic irrigation works are operating stably, meeting the needs of irrigation, drainage and minimizing damage caused by storms and natural disasters. The Commune People's Committee directs the villages to periodically inspect and promptly repair minor damages to maintain the efficiency of the system.”

However, the impact of the recent storm No. 10 has caused local damage to some structures. In Di Thang village, heavy rain broke about 30 meters of concrete canal, causing damage of about 45 million VND. Immediately after the incident, the commune government mobilized forces and people to temporarily fix the problem, ensuring the flow for production, and at the same time requested superiors to support funding for thorough repairs.

Bac Ha has 146.7 km of canals ensuring a stable and sustainable water source for agricultural production. Photo: Bich Hop.

The management and operation of the irrigation system in Bac Ha demonstrates the spirit of autonomy and creativity of the government and people. Irrigation teams maintain dredging of mud, clearing the flow, reinforcing small dams, ensuring the safety of the entire network of works.

However, the mobilization of people's participation is still limited. A part of farmers still have the mentality of waiting for investment from the State, not proactively contributing and protecting the works serving their own production. The source of maintenance funding is largely based on the budget, while the irrigation management force has not been properly trained, and has limited technical skills and financial management.

In addition, many projects were invested a long time ago, and technical documents have been lost, causing difficulties in monitoring, evaluating, and periodic maintenance. The storage and updating of project documents have not been done synchronously, affecting long-term management.

Nearly 1,100 hectares of crops in Bac Ha commune have guaranteed water sources for irrigation. Photo: Bich Hop.

Faced with that reality, the People's Committee of Bac Ha commune proposed that Lao Cai province and Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Environment guide the procedures for liquidating severely damaged works that are no longer able to serve; at the same time, arrange investment capital to upgrade and repair degraded works, ensuring stable and long-term operation.

The commune also proposed to increase the level of financial support for annual maintenance and repair, organize training, and transfer techniques to officials, irrigation teams, and people to improve awareness and skills in managing and operating works effectively.

Thanks to the role of local authorities, communities and the support of the agricultural sector, the management and operation of the irrigation system in Bac Ha has achieved many positive results. The system of dams, reservoirs and canals is regularly maintained and operates stably, contributing to ensuring water security, promoting agricultural production and sustainable development of the highlands.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/thuy-loi-bac-ha-mach-nguon-nuoi-song-nong-nghiep-vung-cao-d781307.html