THỪA THIÊN-HUẾ – The central province of Thừa Thiên-Huế announced it will spend more than VNĐ11.9 trillion (US$519 million) over the next five years to improve its irrigation system in an effort to better facilitate local agriculture.

Provincial authorities said the investment would stretch from now until 2025 to make sure that 85 per cent of the crop fields and aquatic farms receive a regular and sufficient supply of water throughout the dry season.

Dozens of reservoirs in Thừa Thiên-Huế would receive funding for upgrades in the near future. The authorities reported that 20 out of 56 reservoirs were showing signs of serious degradation and many were leaking water.

The improved irrigation system is also intended to act as stronger protection against frequent flooding in the lower Hương and Ô L­âu rivers, said provincial authorities. It will also store rain water for urban use. — VNS

A farmer feeds the shrimp at a farm in Hương Phong Commune, Hương Trà District, Thừa Thiên-Huế Province. – VNA/VNS Photo Anh Tuấn