Digital transformation helps the irrigation industry develop sustainably and safely

Sharing at the Forum, Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Head of Operation and Irrigation Management Department, Department of Irrigation Works Management and Construction, emphasized: Digital transformation is a key driving force to help the irrigation industry develop sustainably, safely and adapt to climate change.

According to Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, the application of information technology in the field of irrigation has helped to form periodic water source and water quality forecast bulletins, supporting localities to proactively plan irrigation, reduce the risk of drought and saltwater intrusion, and improve water use efficiency. This is also the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW, considering science, technology and innovation as the top important breakthroughs to improve governance capacity and socio-economic development.

Dong Canal flows through Tan An Hoi commune (HCMC)

Meanwhile, Professor Le Manh Hung, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Water Resources Science and Technology, raised the question: “We all know that digital transformation is an inevitable trend and an urgent requirement. But the big question is: How to do it? To what extent? And how to have the resources to implement it?” Many localities really want to do it, but are stuck in the lack of financial mechanisms or clear direction from the Central Government.

Mr. Le Manh Hung proposed that the irrigation sector needs to continue to perfect the centralized management platform, ensuring synchronization from hardware to software, from technical standards to financial management framework.

One of the key solutions according to Professor Le Manh Hung is to establish a standard framework, specifically classifying each type of construction, task, equipment, etc., from which to assign clear tasks to research and consulting units for implementation and local application. When there is such a synchronous and transparent basis, the allocation of resources and budget proposals from the Central to local levels will be feasible and sustainable.

Prof. Dr. Le Manh Hung, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Water Resources Science and Technology, spoke

According to Ms. Nguyen Giang Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), in the context of digital transformation spreading strongly, the irrigation sector is one of the leading and most proactive sectors in the modernization process. However, for this process to be truly effective, localities need to provide specific reports, with actual data reflecting the implementation situation at the grassroots level, to help management agencies have a basis to adjust appropriate policies.

Ms. Nguyen Giang Thu, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) spoke at the Forum.

Speaking at the end of the forum, Mr. Nguyen Tung Phong, Director of the Department of Irrigation Works Management and Construction, highly appreciated the forum for attracting many enthusiastic and constructive comments from experts, scientists and management units.

He said that these opinions help the irrigation industry to see more clearly the requirements, challenges as well as directions in the process of digital transformation and application of science and technology into practice.