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High and dry: Tens of hectares of rice in Ia Bang Commune in Gia Lai Province ’s Dak Doa District have been damaged by severe drought. — VNA/VNS Photo Sy Huynh

Drought in Central Highlands takes devastating toll on crops

TAY NGUYEN — A severe drought in the Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) is threatening thousands of hectares of rice and coffee crops.

The region has suffered from unseasonably hot weather since the beginning of the year.

Provincial authorities estimate 4,700ha of winter-spring rice is in immediate danger, along with 22,000ha of coffee, 290ha of vegetables, 300ha of mulberry trees and 80ha of cotton.

Dac Lac Province is the worst hit, with nearly 4,000ha of rice, 22,000ha of coffee and 290ha of vegetables under the hammer.

The province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said local lakes, rivers, streams and underground water sources are close to exhaustion.

Agronomists said if it does not rain this month, another 3,600ha of rice will be damaged, with more than 2,600ha in Dac Lac and nearly 1,000ha in Gia Lai Province.

Another 10,000ha of coffee in both provinces will face the same outcome.

Authorities from the national Water and Hydraulic Works Management Department said last year’s rainy season ended one month earlier than normal and total rainfall only reached 80 per cent of the average.

Water levels in local rivers are lower compared to last year. Reservoir and spillway levels are also down, with some already dried out.

Agronomists also blame the water shortages on the over cultivation of land in some localities.

Dac Lac Province has planted 23,270ha of rice, exceeding its planned cultivation of 21,500ha.

Farmers in An Phu Commune in Gia Lai Province have planted 336ha of winter-spring rice, even though provincial authorities warned them water supplies would be insufficient.

National Hydrometeorology Forecasting Centre officials said the drought will increase in severity before breaking in early April. They predict water levels in local reservoirs, rivers and streams will drop another 20 to 50 per cent.

The Water and Hydraulic Works Management Department is co-operating with the hydrometeorology centre and the regional hydrometeorology station to monitor weather fluctuations to help localities fight the drought.

The provinces have prioritised crops to supply water first to blossoming rice, rice being harvested, high value industrial crops and industrial crops being harvested.

Farmers have been instructed to dredge water sources and dam small rivers and streams to preserve water.

Localities are also trying to ensure water supply for residents’ daily use, and supervise the use of underground water sources. — VNS