Irrigation project to help wealth flow to farmers

"That showed they were both convinced that the irrigation project would bring economic and social benefits."

Improving the efficiency of water use will boost agricultural productivity by bolstering irrigation management and agronomic practices. That will allow farmers to grow cash crops in addition to subsistence crops, and raise incomes, according to experts.

"People are excited," said Ye Xiang, deputy head of Hualong, recalling how crowds of locals watched when the ditches were put into trial operation. "They had never seen so much water."

With a flow rate of 2.85 to 3.5 cubic meters per second, irrigation will become more flexible, which will allow farmers to irrigate according to their needs and at their convenience.

"Now we will be able to water whenever we want," said Han Zhong, head of Qunke village in Hualong.

More than 200 hectares of previously arid land are expected to become new farmland as a result of the improvements, with much of the land suitable for planting vegetables. That will mean 667 sq m could produce annual yields worth about 3,000 yuan, at least three times the amount the farmers can make from growing and selling wheat.

Livestock farmers will also benefit from the provision of more and cleaner water.

For example, every cow in Ma Yuan's farm in Hualong will be able to drink an extra 10 liters of water per day, which will raise its weight by 40 to 50 kg. Before, the alkaline water in the local well upset the cows' digestion.

"If there is not enough water, there is no way to eradicate poverty," Ye, the deputy head, said.

Hualong, Jainca and Xunhua are designated as State-level poverty-stricken counties, so the new water supply will help to raise living standards.

The environment has also been taken into account.

The project planners decided to change the original route to protect local forests and avoid the use of explosives to force tunnels through a mountain that is home to the Zongneng Temple, a renowned Buddhist sanctuary.