Developing modern and smart irrigation systems for Viet Nam’s water security

After the organizational merger and streamlining process, the Department of Hydraulic Works Management and Construction (DWMG) has upheld its tradition of unity and demonstrated a strong spirit of innovation, successfully fulfilling its tasks during the 2020-2025 period. The Department has made significant contributions to ensuring water security, dam and reservoir safety, irrigation development, and sustainable rural water supply.

From streamlining the apparatus to enhancing management efficiency

The merger of two key agencies, the Department of Irrigation and the Department of Construction Management, under the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment marked an important turning point in organizational restructuring, creating a unified and coherent body.

The streamlined apparatus has strengthened the Department’s leadership and operational capacity, enhancing the effectiveness of state management in the field of irrigation - a sector of strategic importance to national water security.

The 2020-2025 term has been marked by significant progress in institutional development. The Department has advised and submitted for approval numerous key legal documents, including the revision of Decree No. 114/2018/ND-CP on dam and reservoir safety management and the replacement decree for Decree No. 96/2018/ND-CP on pricing of irrigation products and services, along with nearly 60 circulars, 54 technical standards, and one specialized technical regulation.

Notably, the Department provided advisory input for the Politburo’s issuance of Conclusion No. 36-KL/TW on ensuring water security and dam and reservoir safety, and for the Government’s Decision No. 847/QD-TTg approving the Master Plan for Natural Disaster Prevention and Irrigation for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. In addition, the Department contributed to the development of the Viet Nam Irrigation Development Strategy and the National Strategy on Rural Clean Water Supply and Sanitation to 2030, with a vision to 2045. These foundational policy documents have set the direction for the sector’s modernization, multi-purpose development, and long-term sustainability.

The Department has achieved remarkable results in irrigation operation and management: ensuring adequate water supply for both irrigation and domestic use even during drought years; proactively responding to drought and salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta; and efficiently managing water intake for the winter-spring cropping season in the Red River Delta.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment recognized the Department with the “Four Bests”: the highest rate of public investment disbursement, the fastest resolution of pending construction projects, the most ahead-of-schedule completion of major projects, and the highest investment efficiency.

Key infrastructure projects such as Cai Lon - Cai Be, Ninh Quoi, and Rach Mop were completed ahead of schedule, contributing to water regulation, agricultural production, and livelihoods. The percentage of rural households with access to clean water reached 58%, meeting the target set by the Government.

Toward a green, modern, and people-centered irrigation sector

Entering a new phase marked by administrative restructuring, digital transformation, and the pursuit of green growth, the Department has set its goal to develop a modern, smart, and sustainable irrigation sector closely linked with ensuring water security and promoting rural development.

A breakthrough in institutional reform and policymaking aims to improve the legal framework by simplifying administrative procedures, integrating river basin and water resource management, and establishing strong mechanisms to promote socialization in investment, management, and operation of irrigation and rural water supply projects. It also seeks to enhance financial autonomy for irrigation operation enterprises.

Another breakthrough lies in science, technology, and digital transformation - advancing toward smart irrigation through the application of artificial intelligence and real-time data for forecasting, dam and reservoir operation, and early warning of drought, salinity intrusion, and flooding. The Department is developing a digital irrigation database and multi-objective decision-support models to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the sector’s management and operations.

A breakthrough in irrigation infrastructure investment will focus on developing inter-regional, inter-provincial, and multi-purpose projects; establishing a water resource connectivity network to regulate and balance resources among regions; and investing in clean water projects for the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, and northern mountainous areas to thoroughly address domestic water shortages during the dry season.

With the spirit of “Solidarity - Discipline - Innovation - Development,” the Department of Hydraulic Works Management and Construction is prioritizing mindset transformation, institutional breakthroughs, and the application of modern technology to realize its goal of building a green, modern, and smart irrigation sector - one that ensures national water security and enhances the quality of life for rural communities in Vietnam in the era of sustainable development.

On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of Agriculture and Environment Day and the 1st National Emulation Congress, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is organizing a series of events from July to December 2025. The centerpiece will be the anniversary celebration and the congress, scheduled for the morning of November 12, 2025, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, with over 1,200 delegates in attendance. VAN News will broadcast the event live.