New Irrigation Systems in Stung District to Boost Local Livelihoods

New irrigation systems being implemented in Stung district, Kampong Thom province, are expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of local residents. This was stated by Im Soustei, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Farmer Water User Communities under the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, during a consultation meeting with relevant authorities held at the Stung district administration building on Tuesday morning, August 4, 2026. Mr. Im Soustei emphasized that the development and expansion of new irrigation infrastructure in Stung district, Kampong Thom province, is a crucial and timely step for the lives of the local population. He highlighted that these achievements offer numerous collective benefits: Firstly, ensuring water security. This will provide sufficient water sources for farming and crop cultivation across multiple seasons (both rainy and dry), leading to increased yields and household income in newly developed areas. Secondly, reducing natural disaster risks. The systems will play a role in draining floodwaters and preventing inundation from heavy rainfall, thus protecting farmers' assets and crops. Thirdly, facilitating travel and transportation. Embankments of dams or farm canals will be transformed into new transportation routes, allowing for quicker and less costly delivery of agricultural products to market. Fourthly, promoting eco-tourism and the environment. The conservation and development of the '30 September' reservoir into an eco-tourism zone will not only preserve the environment but also create new job opportunities and livelihoods for local residents. In addition, the construction of a dam to retain water from the small Stung River (Stung Neang Sal Chhanchak) will enable the storage of millions of cubic meters of additional water, ensuring safe irrigation for thousands of hectares of rice fields belonging to farmers in Kampong Chenh Jom, Prolay, and Musakrong communes. These changes will serve as a strong pillar in driving the economic growth and sustainability of families and communities in Stung district. By Sum Vanna © All rights reserved by Agence Kampuchea Presse 2018