Assessment of irrigation efficiencies and water productivity in paddy fields in the lower Mekong River Basin |
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Authors: | Fongsamuth Phengphaengsy Hiroshi Okudaira |
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Affiliation: | (1) Mekong River Commission Secretariat, Operations Division, Agriculture, Irrigation and Forestry Programme, P.O.Box 6101, 184 Fa Ngoum Road, Unit 18, Ban Sithane Neua, Sikhottabong, Vientiane, 01000, Lao PDR |
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Abstract: | Improving irrigation performance is a crucial issue for agriculture and irrigation development in the Lower Mekong River Basin to secure food production for people’s livelihoods. Irrigation efficiency is the most important indicator to determine the performance of an irrigation scheme. This study looks at water management practices and irrigation efficiency in three pilot sites in the Lower Mekong River Basin: the Numhoum scheme in Laos, the Huay Luang scheme in Thailand, and the Komping Pouy scheme in Cambodia. Irrigation efficiency and water productivity were analyzed using a water balance approach at the irrigation scheme level and results in the pilot areas show efficiencies that are definitely higher using this approach than by using the classical concept. Lower water productivity was observed at pilot schemes in areas of single cropping and higher productivity in areas where multiple agricultural activities were practiced. Strict and active water management is required to control and save water to meet agricultural demand and have sufficient water to expand cultivation areas while avoiding shortages. Promoting multiple uses of water for various agricultural activities in command area will increase water productivity. |
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Keywords: | Irrigation efficiency Water balance Water delivery Paddy field Water productivity |
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