From May 25th to June 4th, 2026, two irrigation pumps were installed at the tertiary irrigation channel starting point in the project site. Based on water level data from the paddy fields and channels collected by previously installed measuring instruments, the pumps, along with the gates, can be remotely and automatically operated (manual operation is also possible). Going forward, various tests will be conducted in preparation for implementing intermittent irrigation across a wide area of ​​paddy fields.

On June 5th, a briefing session on Pump operation and water management was held, attended by farmers and government officials. The farmers' faces, beaming with joy at seeing the irrigation water vigorously discharged from the pumps, were particularly memorable.

However, due to the low rainfall and river levels this year, there is insufficient water in the main irrigation channel. It will likely be some time before the pump is fully operational.

Despite the continuing heatwave, the installation was completed as planned thanks to the energetic work of researchers from Japan, Cambodian counterparts, project staff, and contractors, as well as the cooperation of local farmers and workers. We express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved.