Irrigation Facilities: Summer Paddy Acres To Reduce Due To Less Water Inflow

Over 13,000 acres of summer paddy have been planned to cultivate during this summer in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area due to less inflow of water in the dams.

There are about 30,000 acres of summer paddy plantations in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, and the remaining acres will be substituted with other crops.

Director, Department of Agriculture, Nay Pyi Taw, Win Oo said “Starting last year, there was less flow of water into the dams.  So, we can cultivate about 19,000 acres last year. We expect to cultivate over 13,000 acres for this year. Plans are also underway to cultivate other crops in the remaining acres such as beans and pulses.”

There are 28 dams and reservoirs in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, and due to scarcity of rain during last rainy season, these irrigation facilities have received less inflow of water.

At first, these dams and reservoirs have been mainly used for irrigation purpose. After establishing the Union Territory Nay Pyi Taw, these facilities have also been used for drinking water supply.

Director, Dep't of Irrigation & Water Utilization Management, Khin Zaw said “NgaLeik Dam provides drinking water supply to the Hluttaw buildings, staff housings and Water Fountain Garden. Likewise, YayZin Dam supplies water to the battalions, universities and hospitals as well as the National Races Village and Zoological Garden. HsinThay Dam also supply to MRTV compound, Sugar Mill and Ayethaya Model Village.”

In order not to supply sufficient water in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, efforts have been made to look for new places of water resources, the official said.

Director, Dep't of Irrigation & Water Utilization Management, Khin Zaw said “We need to implement systematic plan to supply water for irrigation and agriculture purposes proportionately. Due to the climate change, there have been less inflow of water into the dams and reservoirs.  In order not to supply sufficient water without difficulties for irrigation and agriculture purposes in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, we are looking for new resources to support the dams.”

It is learnt that the preliminary studies  have been carried out at 2 places for NgaLeik Dam, 3 places  each for YayZin and HsinThay Dams respectively.