Battambang Province Faces Severe Water Shortage; Irrigation Pumps Deployed to Save Crops

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has launched an emergency intervention to rescue crops facing severe water shortages in Battambang Province. Following direct orders from Minister Thao Chetha, a team from the ministry, in collaboration with the provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology, deployed four irrigation pumps on July 26, 2024, to the head of the O'Don Pou canal. These pumps are intended to assist farmers in Khleang Meas commune, Bavel district, and Ta Krarm commune, Banan district, Battambang Province. Two pumps have already been put into operation, with arrangements underway to install the remaining two to expedite the water supply for crop rescue. The operation aims to draw water from the Mongkol Borey River (Bavel River). The Ministry stated that due to the receding water levels in the river, the team is pumping water from the river source into the main O'Don Pou canal. This measure is designed to facilitate farmers in drawing water for continuous irrigation, ensuring timely rescue of their rice crops which are currently facing critical water scarcity.