At the launching meeting. Photo dangcongsan.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday launched the “80 years of the Vietnamese Irrigation Industry accompanying the nation” competition.

Water resources are vital to the economy, society, and national security, contributing significantly to environmental protection, poverty alleviation, rural development, and industrialisation. The World Bank has praised Việt Nam's extensive and well-developed water resources infrastructure, which includes 290,000 pump stations and 170,000 canal projects, forming a robust network that supports the agricultural sector.

This system not only supplies water but also enhances rural landscapes and supports high-value agricultural activities like aquaculture and fruit farming. However, continued investment is needed, particularly in water-scarce regions like the midlands, northern mountains, Central Highlands, and South Central Coast.

As part of the agricultural restructuring plan and the sustainable agriculture and rural development strategy for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, there is a shift towards a multi-value integrated approach. The water resources sector is expected to lead this transformation with modern, intelligent, and multi-purpose systems.

The competition, co-organised by the Directorate of Water Resources and Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, aims to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Vietnamese Irrigation Industry (August 28, 1945 - August 28, 2025). It highlights the sector's achievements and crucial role in agriculture, rural development, and national socio-economic growth.

The competition invites professional and amateur authors to create works that reflect the importance of water resources in human life and agricultural production. It aims to showcase Việt Nam's journey from insufficient domestic supply to becoming a leading agricultural exporter.

Additionally, the competition honours exemplary projects and individuals in the irrigatyion sector, bringing their stories to the public and encouraging those in the field to reflect on their contributions and continue building on their legacy.

Nguyễn Ngọc Thạch, Editor-in-Chief of Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, said: “The competition aims to affirm the sector's achievements and its significant role in agriculture, rural development, and national socio-economic security. It also seeks to inspire and motivate those within the water resources sector.”

The competition will accept entries until June 15, 2025. Submissions can include articles, speeches, videos, photo reports, short stories, and poems.

Awards include one Special Prize, three First Prizes, six Second Prizes, nine Third Prizes, 15 Consolation Prizes, and three Collective Prizes for organisations excelling in submission quality.

Entries should be sent to Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, No. 14 Ngô Quyền, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, or via email to cuocthi80namthuyloi@gmail.com or 80namthuyloi@wrd.gov.vn.

The competition aims to be a fair and transparent platform, garnering enthusiastic support from all writers to help the Vietnamese irrigation sector fulfil its mission for agriculture, rural development, and national security. VNS