Irrigation system as a vital angle to boost agriculture productions
By Sim Socheata In my recent work trip to the Mekong delta region of Vietnam, I got the opportunity to witness the first-hand analysis and articulation of the vital role that irrigation system have in the agriculture production of this country. My observation below is made in relation to my experience doing research in rural Cambodia early this year and built on other engagements in relation to agriculture strategy in Cambodia. In two small villages along Vam Nao River in An Giang province of the Mekong Delta, the government constructed the irrigation system back into 2003 as a long term strategy to enhance the agriculture production in this country. Before 1975 (Vietnam war period) farmers could only grow one rice crop a year; between 1975-2003, the frequency increased to twice a year and after the construction of the irrigation system of Vam Noa North, they could produce three rice crops per years, 8 crops for three years in a row. If three crops per year, that should mak...