As the 2025–2026 winter–spring crop begins, it is expected that six localities in the Northern Midlands and Red River Delta, including Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Phu Tho and Ninh Binh, will draw irrigation water for rice cultivation from the Hong–Thai Binh river system, covering an area of approximately 480,000 hectares.

This year’s water intake schedule for winter–spring rice cultivation spans 12 days in two phases: the first phase from 00:00 on January 16 to 24:00 on January 20, 2026 (five days), and the second phase from 00:00 on January 29 to 24:00 on February 4 (seven days). During the first phase, the water level at the Ha Noi Hydrological Station will be maintained at no lower than 1.6 metres, with the aim of ensuring that areas with sufficient water reach an average of around 30–40% and 40–50% in some coastal provinces.

In the second phase, hydropower plants will operate at maximum generating capacity to increase downstream water supply, with the average water level at the Ha Noi Hydrological Station expected to reach approximately 1.7–1.9 metres. By the end of the second phase, localities are expected to have largely completed their water intake plans.

Assessing the water intake capacity of irrigation works, Nguyen Hong Khanh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Irrigation Works Management and Construction under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, stated: “Water intake for the 2025–2026 winter–spring rice crop faces difficulties as the Red River channel continues to be lowered, affecting downstream water levels, particularly due to the unpredictable impacts of rainfall and storms in 2025. In the second phase, hydropower plants will operate at maximum capacity, but water levels are still likely to be lower than last year.”

“Pumping stations such as Trung Ha, Bach Hac (old), Dai Dinh (old), Ap Bac, along with sluices at Cam Dinh, Lien Mac and Long Tuu, continue to be unable to operate under adequate conditions as in recent years. In addition, saltwater intrusion in downstream areas has tended to increase during the dry season in recent years, especially in the lower reaches of the Thai Binh River, affecting the water intake capacity of irrigation works,” Nguyen Hong Khanh emphasised.

To ensure sufficient water supply for sowing, transplanting and irrigation of the 2025–2026 winter–spring rice crop, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep said: “Localities need to review and assess the water intake capacity of irrigation works along rivers based on the expected water levels during each phase; pay attention to the possibility that river water levels may fall lower than forecast due to changes in river channels after recent floods; and for works at risk of ineffective water intake, appropriate solutions should be put in place to supplement alternative water sources or adjust production structures accordingly.”

In addition, localities should develop detailed water intake plans in line with the schedule to ensure adequate water supply for cultivated areas; strengthen water retention in fields for areas supplied during the first phase to minimise losses and shortages during the sowing period; instruct relevant agencies to monitor salinity levels, assess and forecast saltwater intrusion in downstream river areas; and proactively implement measures to adapt to saltwater intrusion.