Myanmar adjusts its rice production to meet both domestic needs and export demands. During the current rainy season, monsoon paddy fields in Pyay District, Bago Region, are crucial for meeting production targets. The Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management is actively supplying irrigation water to over 45,000 acres of these monsoon paddy fields.

Bago Region boasts 39 dams, including eight in Bago District, five in Nyaunglebin District, eight in Toungoo District, three in Nattalin District, eight in Thayawady District, and seven in Pyay District. Additionally, the region features 13 diversion weirs and 14 water sluice gates, totalling 66 irrigation facilities. Officials from the Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management are diligently managing agricultural water supply, reinforcing dam structures, and raising flood awareness during the rainy season.

“The primary responsibility of our department is to store and distribute agricultural water, ensure water safety, and promote regional development. Besides providing irrigation for successful plantation growth, we manage water storage and flood prevention, including diverting water flow and maintaining agricultural supply,” stated U Ko Ko Oo, Director of the Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management in Bago Region.

“In Pyay District, where drought conditions prevail, ensuring sufficient water for planting is critical. Agriculture remains Myanmar’s key economic sector, and our ability to provide timely irrigation supports farmers’ socio-economic livelihoods,” he added. The department has commenced supplying irrigation water to over 45,000 monsoon paddy fields in Bago Region since late June, aiming to sustain water access for plantations until December.

Thitsar (MNA)/KZL

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar