© Far East Focus 2021
Zhuogu Village Rice Field Irrigation Project
The Zhuogu village irrigation project, completed in April 2016, provides
irrigation water to 70 rice fields. In the past several years the water supply
traditionally used to flood these fields has dried up leaving the farmers to wait
on the seasonal rains that come much later than what is necessary to plant
rice.
Typically, one mu of land (1/6 acre) will produce 400-450 kilograms of rice and
250 kilograms of wheat. Due to the lack of water the farmers on this land are
only able to harvest approximately 250 kilograms of rice and 150 kilograms of
wheat when the rains are favorable. Due to lack of irrigation water, these
farmer’s income is half of what would be normally expected.
The increased yields due to proper irrigation will double their income compared
to recent years and provide that same steady income in years that would
normally provide no income at all due to the lack of rain.
Farmers Help
Farmers carry pipe from the road down to the stream where it will be installed.
The trip must be made on foot since there is no road. The trails are steep, but
the farmers are accustomed to the terrain.
Protecting Pipe
Piping laid next to a road is protected with concrete.
Joining Pipe
Polyethylene (PE) pipe and fittings are used for their durability. These pipes
are being heat welded together to form a strong, durable connection.
Farmers help in the Construction Process
Farmers work along side the IDEAS crew as they construct the intake trench
bringing water from the stream to the diversion structure.
Participatory Projects
A feature of most projects is the participation of local residents. Those
benefiting from the project invest time and labor into the project. The result is
greater ownership and pride in the system and a desire to maintain the
system.
Diversion Structure
Water from the stream enters this diversion structure which controls flow into
the pipe system and reduces sedimentation. Excess water is diverted back to
the stream while trash and sediment are prevented from entering the pipe.
Rice Ready to Plant
Rice seedlings grown in thick patches are then transplanted into tilled fields
that are flooded using the new irrigation system. The work is back breaking,
but the income is often all these families have on which to live.
Back Breaking Work
Planting rice is a family affair. Many hands make work light. Even so, the
work is slow and back breaking. Each rice seedling must be transplanted
individually by bending down and pushing it into the mud. Each field requires
hours of bending over leaving the farmers in pain with sores on their hands
and feet. This is the life of a farmer.
Completed Fields
These fields are now full of newly transplanted rice seedlings. With the aid of
the water and sunshine these plants will be ready for harvest in September.
After harvest the fields will be planted with winter wheat providing a second
crop and additional income. The irrigation water can be used to water the
wheat as well.
