River Water Pumping Projects: 17 Total Projects Planned For 2022-2023 FY

A total of 17 solar-powered river water pumping projects are planned to be carried out in Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Yangon and Ayeyarwady Regions during 2022-2023 fiscal years.

The Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation is implementing the projects with the aim to ensure the access of irrigated water for summer paddy plantations.

Over 9 billion kyats budget allotment will be used for implementing the projects.

Deputy Director, Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department, Yu Yu Hlaing said “We received 9.743 billion kyats budget allotment from the Union Budget for 2022-2023 fiscal years. We are planning to implement a total of 17projects; 5 in Mandalay Region, 5 in Bago Region, 5 in Yangon Region, 1 in Magway Region and 1 in Ayeyarwady Region.”

In 2020-2021 fiscal years, the Ministry had implemented river water pumping projects not only using electric power but also using solar power, and completed a total of 9 projects in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway and Bago Regions respectively.

Deputy Director, Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department, Yu Yu Hlaing said “All the projects will be carried out with the use of solar energy. We would preserve the natural environment by using solar energy. It is easy for maintenance too. Since it is a natural resource, we don’t have to worry about the energy running out.”

The Ministry has been implementing the drilling of water wells and river water pumping projects since 1955, so that farmers can have access to water for irrigation purpose.