Drought, Saltwater Intrusion Threaten Mekong Delta Granary

Under the impact of El Nino, Mekong Delta has to suffer from severe drought and salt water intrusion. The areas that could have been under severe drought and saltwater intrusion are 104.731ha, which account for 10.9% cropped areas of coastal region and 6.7% cropped areas of winter-spring rice crop in Mekong Delta. 

Farmers in An Bien Commune, Kien Giang Province with discolored rice, 90% damage caused by saltwater intrusion.

If the situation has not been improved, it is possible that 90,000 ha more of rice crop will die. For instance, in Tien Giang, 30,000 ha rice is surrounded by salt water and nearly 700 ha died.

According to Cultivation Department – MARD, in 2015 – 2016 winter spring crop, rice areas of coastal provinces which are at risk of saltwater intrusion and drought could be around 339,234 ha, comprises of 35.51% cropped areas of coastal region and 21.88% cropped areas of winter-spring rice crop in Mekong Delta. 

In the first few months of 2016, total flow from MeKong River to Mekong Delta may face a shortfall of 20-40% so the water level at Mekong main stations is low and strongly influenced by tides. The possibility of saltwater intrusion in Southern region will be higher, earlier and deeper than that of 2015 dry season and average of the past few years.

The salinity in Tien River and Hau River reaches 4g/l and penetrates 50 – 60 km or even 70km from river mouth. Salinity will increase and last from late January to early May of 2016.

Therefore, Cultivation Department encourages Southern Region locals to actively have solutions to prevent drought and saltwater intrusion.

As for areas that have difficulty with water resources, farmers should not sow when rainy season has not begun to avoid unnecessary damage.

Under this situation, on 17^th February, in Can Tho City, Minister of MARD had meetings with the authorities of Mekong Delta’s provinces to find out resolution for drought and salt water intrusion. Previously, at the end of January 2016, MARD has examined 2015-2016 winter spring crop under drought and saltwater intrusion in 4 provinces: Kien Giang, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre and Tien Giang.

Dung Nguyen

Source: cafef.vn & tuoitre.vn