AI enhances flow forecasting, irrigation management efficiency

On October 17, the Department of Water Works Management and Construction, in collaboration with the Viet Nam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper, organized a forum on "Science, technology, and digital transformation in the management and operation of irrigation works under Resolution 57".

In line with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s plan to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15, and Resolution No. 03/NQ-CP on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, modernizing the management and operation of irrigation infrastructure in the digital era has been identified as an urgent requirement. This is not only a sectoral goal but also a practical necessity closely linked with the strategy for sustainable agricultural development and climate change adaptation.

From app-based warnings to intelligent AI forecasting

At the forum, Dr. Le Ngoc Hieu from the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research shared: "Publishing early warning information on digital platforms (apps and websites) since 2020 has been a positive step, helping to minimize agricultural production losses by enabling proper crop scheduling and providing accurate operational data."

He emphasized that seasonal forecasting is key to identifying the timing of saline intrusion and the availability of freshwater, which informs adjustments in water intake planning and system operation. In the Mekong Delta, during February-March each year, when tidal peaks occur, saline intrusion often prevents many areas from accessing freshwater for production. Thanks to modern communication technologies integrated into the Institute’s mobile apps and web systems, users can now access real-time data on salinity risks, intrusion boundaries, and irrigation infrastructure distribution across the Mekong Delta.

Notably, the Institute’s research team has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model for the upstream region. This model can generate results within seconds, allowing rapid scenario simulations. With only basic input data such as rainfall and flow volume, the model can self-learn causal relationships and intelligently adapt to new data.

According to Dr. Hieu, the long-term goal is to develop a forecasting model tailored to the flood-prone characteristics of the Mekong Delta, meeting the requirements for proactive climate adaptation. “Applying deep learning techniques to enhance the accuracy of upstream flood and short-term salinity forecasts not only holds strong scientific and practical value but also aligns closely with the spirit of Resolution 57,” Dr. Hieu noted.

Open data and multi-layer connectivity: Foundations for smart irrigation

However, Dr. Hieu pointed out that traditional hydraulic-numerical models such as MIKE, while advantageous for long-term strategic planning, have limitations when used for real-time operations: lengthy computation times, large input data requirements, low flexibility, and limited automation.

To address these challenges, the research team developed a Hybrid AI model. Preliminary results show that it can forecast upstream flows entering Vietnam’s border stations (Tan Chau, Chau Doc) 7-30 days in advance with high accuracy (NSE indices at key stations reaching good to very good levels). This marks an important shift from reactive to proactive management, enabling authorities to plan allocation and operational strategies 1-4 weeks earlier.

Moreover, the model provides upstream boundary conditions for building a Digital Twin system of the entire Mekong Delta irrigation network. This allows managers to simulate, test, and optimize operations virtually before implementing them in reality, saving time, reducing costs, and improving precision.

Beyond technology, the research outcomes have been integrated into mobile applications that deliver forecast and warning information to authorities, localities, and farmers in a timely, visual, and scientific manner, enhancing management, monitoring, and proactive production efficiency at every level.

Along with the strong advancement of science and technology in line with the spirit of Resolution 57, the application and development of innovations serving the management and operation of irrigation works have received close attention from the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, scientific research institutions, operating and management units, as well as innovative enterprises.

Based on the practical results achieved in recent years, the management and operation of irrigation systems are expected to continue to be modernized, contributing to ensuring water security and proactively responding to droughts, water shortages, saline intrusion, flooding, and waterlogging in agricultural production.