BATTAMBANG: Nearly a month of drought has threatened over 34,000 hectares in two districts of Battambang province. Authorities have tried to coordinate efforts to save the crops, but there is only enough water in the nearby dams to save a small percentage.

Deputy Director of Battambang’s Department of Water Resources and Meteorology, In Sovanmony, reported that 31,200 hectares of rice crops were suffering in the Moung Ruessei district, while the remaining 3,202 hectares were in the Koas Kralor district. He said the region had not received rain in 20 to 25 days. The farmers rely on irrigation systems supplied by dams, and canals. The department diverted water from two nearby dams, but it was nowhere near enough to save most of the crops.

From early to mid-August, Battambang received scattered showers in most of the province except the affected districts, leaving the fields dry and the water resources depleted. The government warned of oncoming droughts in June but there was little farmers could do to prepare. In 2021, the Ministry reported about $100 million in rice-production loss from droughts. As climate change intensifies, farmers continue to struggle with its effects on agriculture.