VIENTIANE, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Irrigation Department of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), convened the first stakeholder forum of the irrigation sub-sector working group to enhance coordination and strategic support for advancing irrigation development in Laos.
The forum, held here on Thursday, focused on advancing the irrigation sector, with particular emphasis on the opportunities and potential of geographic information systems (GIS) to enhance irrigation planning, management, and monitoring.
The meeting was attended by Director General of Department of Irrigation, Khamphachanh Vongsana, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Laos Shanny Campbell, along with key stakeholders and representatives from relevant sectors, according to the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
In his speech, Khamphachanh emphasized the need to enhance irrigation system management, ensure efficient water use, and expand irrigated areas. While significant improvements have been made, challenges remain in extending the irrigated area and accessing relevant data.
The adoption of GIS technology, especially for database management, is crucial for further progress, he said.
In 2024, a total of 500,221 hectares were irrigated, with 313,753 hectares during the rainy season and 182,468 hectares in the dry season.
"This forum allows key stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners to exchange insights on how to effectively adopt and utilize advanced GIS tools. As we work together to improve water governance, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience, GIS provides powerful capabilities to plan, manage, monitor, and maintain irrigation systems more effectively," said Shanny Campbell.
The integration of GIS offers a unique opportunity to modernize the irrigation sector, empower data-driven decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately enhance the livelihoods of farming communities across Laos. ■
