Handover Ceremony for Irrigation Schemes in Takeo Province

On 11 December 2014, the Cambodia Agricultural Value Chain program (CAVAC) held a handover ceremony for 5 irrigation schemes it constructed in Takeo province at Krapum Chhouk, Kveng Tayi, Tumnub Lork, Prey Rumdeng and So Hang. This event was held in collaboration with the Takeo Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology and with support from the head of the CAVAC Provincial Coordination Committee in Takeo.

CAVAC is a large agricultural development program funded by the Australian aid program. Irrigation infrastructure is one of the key components of the CAVAC program. Over the past five years CAVAC has constructed 20 irrigation schemes.
 

The event was chaired by HE Veng Sakon, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and Co-Chair of the CAVAC National Steering Committee. Australia was represented by Ms. Michelle Vizzard, First Secretary (Development Cooperation).

At each of the 5 schemes, a Farmer Water User Community (FWUC) has been established and capacity building support has been provided to contribute to a sustainable base for scheme operations and maintenance.

Canal constructed by CAVAC in Krapum Chhouk commune, Koh Andeth district, Takeo

These 5 schemes have a potential command area of 7,050 hectares and will directly benefit around 4,600 farming households. These irrigation infrastructures enable farmers to increase their crops from one, to two or three per year, leading to significant annual rice yield increases and incomes. With more secure water sources, some farmers grow not only rice but also vegetables, and raise livestock, contributing to improved livelihoods. Moreover, some canal embankments serve farmers as roads and safety areas during the flood season.

Approximately 280 people joined the handover ceremony, including FWUC committee members of the 5 schemes, farmers, as well as local and provincial government authorities.