BADC Explores Irrigation Technologies in China and Thailand

During the 2015-16 fiscal year, Management and Training International (MTI) Ltd. successfully managed a series of overseas training and study tours for the Sylhet Division Minor Irrigation Development Project (SDMIDP). These programs were designed to equip 14 key officials from the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) with advanced knowledge from leading Asian nations in water resource management.

The first leg of the program took place in China from June 19-27, 2016. This tour focused on both the academic and practical aspects of large-scale water management. The delegation visited the prestigious China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) and the University of Agriculture in Beijing, engaging with top experts in the field. This was complemented by extensive field visits to observe China's advanced irrigation infrastructure in person.

Subsequently, the second study tour was conducted in Thailand from July 22-30, 2016. This visit offered a valuable perspective on irrigation and water management in a tropical, agriculture-intensive economy similar to Bangladesh. The program included field visits to observe practical irrigation techniques and water-efficient farming practices, alongside opportunities for cultural immersion.

By providing exposure to both China's engineering prowess and Thailand's applied agricultural water management, these back-to-back tours equipped the BADC officials with a broad and comparative understanding of modern irrigation. The knowledge gained is directly contributing to the successful implementation of the SDMIDP and the enhancement of agricultural productivity in the Sylhet region.