On August 4, 2026, the 13th Farmers' Workshop was held, primarily to explain the trial implementation of intermittent irrigation (AWD) in gravity irrigation areas.

The Rice GX-SATREPS project is currently implementing AWD in large-scale paddy fields using pump irrigation but is also required to implement AWD in gravity irrigation areas. The implementation of AWD in the gravity irrigation area was initially planned for a different area, unfortunately it could not be carried out because consent could not be obtained from farmers.　Therefore, a workshop was held (the 9th workshop) inviting representatives from farmers downstream of the project site to select a suitable area. Ultimately, the 12L area, downstream of the same branch canal in the Damnak Ampil Irrigation Scheme, was chosen.

This workshop brought together farmers from the 12L area who agreed to cooperate with the AWD implementation, and explained AWD, including its effects. A survey on water management was also conducted. The current situation will be investigated throughout this fiscal year, and the plan is to implement AWD from next fiscal year.

Prior to the workshop, we surveyed the condition of rice paddies in the 12L area on August 3rd. Due to water shortages this year, cracks have appeared in many rice paddies, and it seems that rice growth is delayed. We also observed that the water levels in the irrigation channels are low, and small pumps are being used for irrigation.