Study of water loss in Pelagat irrigation scheme / Hasmi Mat

Pelagat Irrigation Scheme in Besut, Terengganu was constructed to increase the paddy production with double crops which covers 696 hectares of rice-field. However, only 560 hectares had been cultivated due to insufficient water supply. The efficiency of the canal to supply the water is very low. Though the supply seems to be sufficient, water was seen to be lost along the way and unable to reach the intended destination. The study identified the causes of water loss and presents solutions to overcome the problem. The cause of water loss was due to the seepage. In other words the soil was very porous. Since the high cost to improve the soil, rehabilitation was emphasized on the concrete joints. The recommendations and rehabilitation proposal shall be forwarded to Northern Terengganu Rural Development Project (KETARA) for further action.