Experts from the regional Research Institute for Climate Change and the German Hanns Seidef Foundation exchanged information on the ongoing drought in the delta.
They discussed the estimated water level needed for specific plants and water-saving procedures in agriculture production, including the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology, which farmers can apply to reduce their use of irrigation water in rice fields without decreasing yield.
Institute Deputy Director Le Anh Tuan said irrigation in agriculture is essential, given increasingly severe saltwater intrusion. It must ensure equal distribution of water for plants to reduce water loss and maintain land fertility.
Associate Professor Chau Minh Khoi from Can Tho University’s department of agriculture and applied biology suggested applying the AWD measure as an economical rice cultivation method.
It will save 9.9 to 19% of water, he said, adding that it will not affect grain productivity or increase land salinity.
The ratio of water used in agriculture is over 70%; in industry and local daily activities it is 22% and 10%, respectively.
