Participatory Irrigation Management System: Dialogue on improving agricultural sector

An opening ceremony of the dialogue on improving the agricultural sector and farmers' socio-economic life through Participatory Irrigation management – PIM system was held at the Agricultural Education and Rural Development Training School in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area on Friday.

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing gave a speech, saying that Myanmar has abundant water resources with four major rivers and many tributaries, and about 876 million acre feet of water have been flowing into the sea annually.

245 dams and reservoirs and 210 river water pumping stations were constructed on these rivers and tributaries, with the use of about 2.3% of water volume that have flown to the sea. There are around 33 million acres of crop plantations across the nation, and over 20% of all sown acres are using the irrigated water.

The Prime Minister pointed out that if triple cropping can be implemented on these irrigated acres, the socio-economic status of farmers could be developed. Since irrigation works are essential for thriving of plantations and rural development, the government is emphasizing on investing in the irrigation projects.

The Prime Minister called for cooperative efforts of all involved persons for the success of the projects. To promote cooperation in irrigated water management process, Water User Groups and Water User Associations have been formed with the participation of farmers. 

With the establishment of Participatory Irrigation management – PIM system, farmers are urged to make collective efforts for prosperity of the nation and people. The Prime Minister later viewed the displays of booths on activities of Water User Groups, irrigation system, equipment used in underground study, emergency management plan of the dams, river water pumping demonstration, mechanized farming, fertilizer manufacturing, farm implements, and water supply demonstration and monsoon paddy plantation, using irrigated water.