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| The irrigation system in Nongbok district, funded by the Vietnamese government, supplies irrigation water for over 500 hectares. (Photo: thoidai.com.vn) |
Nongbok District, located in southern Khammouane province, has low-lying terrain prone to flooding during heavy rains. Consequently, only 3,900 hectares are cultivated twice a year, while over 15,000 hectares yield one crop due to a lack of irrigation water. To help Nongbok district boost its agricultural productivity from one crop to two crops per year and meet farmers' aspirations for increased income, the Vietnamese government supported the construction of an irrigation system in Nongbok. The project began in April 2022, with an investment of over VND290 billion, funded by Ha Tinh Province's People's Committee. Key components included pump stations, power substations, a canal system stretching over 2 km, a road running alongside the canal, and a 500-meter embankment along the Mekong River.
In October 2024, this irrigation project officially began operation, providing water for over 500 hectares, benefitting 863 households by increasing agricultural yields.
Alongside the Nongbok irrigation system, the Vietnamese government has supported four additional irrigation projects in Anouvong and Thathom districts in Xaysomboun Province. Launched in late 2022 with a budget of over VND159 billion, these projects are now completed and provide stable irrigation, enabling locals to achieve higher agricultural productivity and improved quality, thereby enhancing local living standards.
Moreover, the Vietnamese General Department of Water Resources and the Lao Department of Water Resources have cooperated in various areas, such as implementing irrigation projects funded by Vietnam and assisting Laos in developing water resource plans. Vietnam has also supported Laos in training personnel at Water Resources University, offering short-term training programs annually to build capacity in Laos’ irrigation sector.
Commenting on the positive impact of these collaborative agricultural projects, Mr. Viengsavanh Vilayphone, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, stated: "Vietnam supports Laos in researching and implementing agricultural development policies, promoting cooperation and investment in high-tech agriculture for clean agricultural production and sustainable management. In the coming period, we need to focus on strengthening cooperation in agricultural, forestry, fishery and rural development expertise between border regions of the two countries."
According to the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, the construction and operation of these agricultural production facilities have been of high quality, fully meeting design specifications and allowing local communities to achieve high agricultural productivity. These projects not only improve local living standards and contribute to poverty reduction and ecological restoration, but also underscore the determination of the Vietnamese and Laotian governments to enhance agricultural cooperation between the two nations.
The irrigation projects built by the Vietnamese government provide a foundation for the economic and social development of Laotian provinces, ensuring social welfare. They serve as a concrete testament to the strong, special friendship and bond between the people of Vietnam and Laos./.