Third Pursat harvest ‘not feasible’ amid water issues

PURSAT provincial governor Khoy Rida urges residents to refrain from cultivating a third harvest due to inadequate water resources. Despite water sufficing for approximately 20,000ha of dry-season rice, farmers are cultivating over 40,000ha, risking reduced harvests.

“I appeal to everyone: refrain from cultivating a third crop. Limited water resources can’t cater to all, risking financial loss due to potential low yields,” he warned.

Rida added that the provincial administration is actively seeking solutions to assist farmers involved in the second and third rounds of dry-season rice cultivation.

Hay Thoura, director of the Pursat provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said on December 25 that the province currently does not face water shortages but that continued cultivation may pose a risk of water insufficiency. The fifth large dam in the province, he noted, has initiated water pumping into rice fields to address immediate needs.

“There’s a need for caution as people are rushing due to rising rice prices. They hurriedly harvest and then proceed to plant again,” he said.

He added that this year’s harvest is faster than the previous one, prompting people with land near canals and leftover water to continue growing rice. However, persistent cultivation may lead to a lack of sufficient water for their fields.

As a preliminary solution, the provincial administration has informed districts and communes to advise against cultivating rice for a third or fourth time in one year. The concern is the potential loss of money and time due to drought.

Thoura said that although the province’s irrigation system is sufficient, the pending completion of the provincial hydropower system poses a challenge.

“We’re optimistic that the Stung Pursat Hydro Power I dam project will finish by 2025. With increased water storage, farmers can enhance their capacity to cultivate rice, benefitting a larger population,” he said.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology issued a notice last week urging everyone to join water conservation efforts.

It predicts rising temperatures from February to early May 2024, with a daily average of 38 degree Celsius and occasional peaks at 41C.