Mann Chaung Dam fulfils irrigation needs in Minbu Township

Mann Chaung Dam is ensuring adequate irrigation water throughout the year in the tropical Minbu Township, Magway Region. Mann Chaung Dam surrounded by evergreen forests is the heart of irrigated agriculture in the region.
“Water is more valuable than gold in our region. Mann Chaung Dam helps lessen our concerns in agriculture. The growers most commonly cultivate paddy, chickpeas and sesame,” said U San Aung, a grower from Kuywa village in Minbu Township.
Mann Chaung Dam can store water approximately to 83,250 acre-feet and will supply adequate irrigation to 18,760 acres of summer crops in Minbu Township, according to Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department.
Mann Chaung Dam will distribute irrigation water to the growing acres under Mann and Aingma irrigation network starting from 1 March in the 2021-2022 cultivation season.
“More than 30,000 acres of monsoon and summer crops were planted in the 2020-2021 financial year. This year, the dam retained a greater amount of water and contribute to 35,364 monsoon paddy acres. Under the 2021-2022 growing season, the dam is projected to cover up to 18,760 acres, U Tin Myo Hlaing, assistant director of the department explained.
Mann Chaung Dam located in Ngaphe Township, Minbu District, Magway Region is 4,480 feet long and 135 feet high. The storage capacity is estimated at 120,000 acre-feet and it has 136 square miles catchment area. This dam was constructed in 1995 and the project was completed in the 1998-1999FY.
“This dam distribute water through the Aingma diversion weir. It irrigated sowing acreage in Ngaphe, Minbu and Sagu townships. Maezali diversion weir on Mone Chaung delivers irrigation water in Pwintbyu Township,” said U Myo Zin Thet, staff officer of the Minbu Township Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department.
At present, a water-efficient irrigation system has not been adopted yet, causing conflicts among growers and water loss from unsystematic distribution methods. To tackle those problems, authorities and growers are working together in improving the irrigation system. The formation of water users groups (WUG) is also being undertaken.
“We have formed more than 90 WUGs under the Mann and Aingma irrigation network. We have been coordinating with WUGs for water-use efficiency,” U Myo Zin Thet elaborated.
The Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management aims to fulfil irrigation needs without water loss. The department also focuses on enhancing irrigation systems depending on the allocated fund and international financial assistance.
“The department is making efforts for sustainable dam operations and dam upgrading in-between the growing seasons,” U Myo Zin Thet explained.
Magway Region is relying on irrigated agriculture and the dam also secures water supply for the local people. Irrigated agriculture helps effectuate the socio-economic development of the local community as well. —Aung Min Han/GNLM