In South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, where water resources are abundant yet unevenly distributed, irrigation systems play a crucial role in ensuring farmers' productivity and income growth. However, in some areas, the aging water infrastructure poses a significant constraint on local agricultural development.

At this year's session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), Fang Nenglie, an NPC deputy and Party secretary of Leyong village in Jinling township  of Nanning, capital city of Guangxi, called for greater support for construction of irrigation facilities in the region.

Over the years, Fang has led his villagers in developing the honey pomelo business, significantly boosting their income and improving their livelihoods. However, a harsh reality struck the region recently as Guangxi faced widespread and persistent droughts, with rainfall dropping below average by as much as 30 to 70 percent. The land was parched and devoid of moisture, leaving the soil cracked and crops struggling to grow.

Fang Nenglie (second from right), Party secretary of Leyong village and a deputy to the National People's Congress, visits his fellow villagers to listen to their concerns. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Witnessing farmers laboriously hauling water with tractors for irrigation, Fang felt a sense of unease. This inefficient method not only hampered productivity but also jeopardized yields.

As a village leader and an NPC deputy, Fang felt a profound responsibility towards his community, and even the broader population in the region. Through his extensive research, he discovered a glaring gap in irrigation coverage across Guangxi's vast agricultural lands.

More than half of the region's 48.9 million mu (3.26 million hectares) of arable land lacked proper irrigation, particularly in flatlands and hilly basin areas, leaving crops vulnerable to weather patterns. Fang felt an urgent need to improve the insufficient irrigation facilities.

According to Fang, "Building an agricultural powerhouse requires support for access to irrigation facilities. The Food Security Law emphasizes the importance of enhancing large and medium-sized irrigation systems, a pivotal aspect of ensuring food security."

At the annual NPC session in March, he submitted suggestions on supporting the development of pilot irrigation projects across Guangxi.

Envisioning irrigation zones as semi-artificial ecosystems with comprehensive water supply, distribution, irrigation and drainage systems, Fang highlighted the significance of establishing a network to counter droughts and manage excess water.

He urged the development of comprehensive irrigation systems tailored to Guangxi's topography, optimizing water resources and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Fang called for construction of modern, green, efficient and clean large-scale irrigation zones in the region to uphold food security and enhance the production of crucial crops like sugarcane, by integrating modern technologies and strategic planning.

"Comprehensive irrigation is not just about digging channels; it's about ensuring every drop of water reaches the crops precisely where needed," Fang emphasized.

His notebook brimmed with dynamic data — by mid-May, the region had allocated 290 million yuan ($40.21 million) for drought resistance, activated 27,551 drought-resistant wells and facilitated irrigation for over 13 million mu of farmland during the spring season.

Behind these numbers is Fang's deep-rooted passion for the farmland and his community.

Feng Tian contributed to this story.