Regulating saltwater and freshwater for rice production and aquaculture

Bac Lieu Province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) announced a water regulation schedule for the last half of January 2025. This initiative aims to support farmers with the autumn-winter rice harvest, planting winter-spring rice, and managing aquaculture. Specific sluice schedules are detailed for both saltwater and freshwater areas north of National Highway 1A. Saltwater sluices will operate on a flexible schedule based on water conditions to aid in aquaculture and rice-shrimp harvests. Freshwater sluices will primarily remain closed to maintain freshwater resources for rice planting, but may open for drainage to prevent pollution. The Ninh Quoi boat lock will operate to prevent saltwater intrusion into freshwater areas when salinity levels exceed a certain threshold. The DARD urges close monitoring of water conditions and timely communication with local authorities to ensure effective water management for agricultural needs.