By Thai Newsroom Reporters
THE IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT plans to launch a pilot project on the alternate wetting and drying technique for rice fields in Nakhon Ratchasima to save the irrigated water, increase the yielding volume of the crop and reduce emissions of polluting gases.
Deputy Irrigation Department director-general Wittaya Kaewmee confirmed that the water management technique called the alternate wetting and drying could considerably reduce the dependence of a large volume of irrigated water in rice fields, especially those largely vulnerable to drought.
The intermittent irrigation featuring the alternate wetting and drying method in rice farms is primarily designed to suit volatile weather conditions in varied parts of the country, according to the deputy department chief.
The alternate wetting and drying method could practically save the irrigated water from about 1,200 cubic metres to 860 cubic metres per rai, Wittaya said.
The sizable amount of fertilizers, either organic or chemical, for use in the rice field could drop by about 30% whilst the yielding volume of the crop could rise by 20 to 30% per rai, he said.
The alternate wetting and drying of the rice field could considerably reduce the volume of emitted carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere and finally turn agricultural and residential areas in and around Nakhon Ratchasima into a carbon neutrality zone, he said.
The Irrigation Department’s pilot project in the northeastern province is part of the Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives’ scheme to promote the so-called Bio Economy, Circular Economy and Green Economy on a sustainable, comprehensive basis.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Deputy Irrigation Department director-general Wittaya Kaewmee, centre, with some farmers.
Front Page: A farmer in his paddy field. Both photos: Thai Rath
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