Klapetek V., Havrland B., Mazancová J.
Abstract
This paper describes rice irrigation system around the Red River in Vietnam from the farmers' point of view.
The farmers are the principle element for water management in this area, with a strong influence on water
consumption as well as water quality. In a survey of hundreds of irrigation farmers in the Red River basin,
two hundred farmers answered questions about their rice paddy areas, the character and quality of irrigation
canals, their scheduling of irrigation and other characteristics.
Ten survey points were used to describe irrigation practices. The average distance between each of these points
was 40 km; all of them being situated a maximum of 1.1 km from the river. Some data obtained depends on the
position of the research point in relation to the river (water flow), some other values are influenced by survey
point specificities. In areas with a deficit of water it is recommended to increase the regulation of paddy inflow
by all farmers, or to find new water source if necessary. The survey has mainly shown problems of irrigation water
quality.
Key words:
rice irrigation, water management, rice, Red River, rice farmer