A farm intercrops cashew, rubber and other short – term crops in Bình Phước. The province is investing in irrigation works to supply more water to farmlands. – VNA/VNS Photo K GỬIH

BÌNH PHƯỚC – The south-eastern province of Bình Phước will invest VNĐ10.4 trillion (US$445 million) to improve its irrigation system and exploit water resources in 2021-30 period.

The plan, financed by the central and local governments, loans and private investors, aims to protect and exploit the resources efficiently and sustainably, the provincial People’s Committee said.

The plan envisages supplying around 365,000cu.m of tap water daily in 2021-25 to fully meet households’ demand.

This will be increased to 559,800cu.m in 2026-30.

The province plans to build and upgrade 19 water supply facilities in 2021-30 with a daily capacity of 473,400cu.m until 2025 and 722,900cu.m in 2026-30.

It will install more water pipes for existing water supply facilities to secure water supply for more areas.

Some 98.4 per cent of people in rural areas have access to clean water.

But it has 17 irrigation works that are degraded and need repairs at a cost of VNĐ146 billion ($6.3 million), according to the province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The province’s irrigation works supply water to 13.7 per cent of the 70,760ha of farmlands in the locality.

In areas without irrigation, farmers have to use pumps to draw water from rivers, springs, lakes, and underground.

The province is encouraging investment in irrigation and offering preferential policies.

It is undertaking advocacy activities to enhance public awareness of protecting and using water resources effectively.

It is also limiting the exploitation of groundwater.

The province has a large agricultural area of 457,000ha and grows short -term crops, perennial trees and fruits.

It has 246,659ha under rubber, 139,868ha under cashew, 15,900ha under black pepper, and 12,300ha under fruits.

The country’s largest cashew producer grows nuts of high quality that are in huge demand at home and abroad.

It has seven hi-tech agriculture zones covering a total of 2,264ha. – VNS