Authorities in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong have decided to invest VND3 trillion ($143 million) on irrigation works in the province's ethnic region over the next ten years. The investment will come from the provincial budget and from a Government bond. Around 100 new systems will be undertaken as part of the project, while 150 will be upgraded. Once completed, the province's drainage system will ensure irrigation for 5,000ha of rice, 3,000ha of coffee trees and 4,000ha of aquaculture. Over 200,000 people are expected to benefit from the work which will help improve living standards and promote agricultural production. From 2006 to 2010, the province invested nearly VND1.2 trillion ($57 million) on 65 small and medium – scale irrigational works throughout the province for the development of local agricultural production. (Vietnam News July 14)
