"Water-saving irrigation plays the crucial role in turning wasteland into fertile farmland," said Wang Zizhang, a farmer with Zhalong Township, which is part of the irrigation area.

Despite the benefits of new irrigation techniques, obstacles remain.

"It's not easy to extend the use of irrigation technologies, because new technologies cost a lot more than most farmers can afford," said Yan Guanyu, an official with the department of irrigation, drainage and rural water supply, which is under the MWR.

The most popular drip and micro-sprinkling irrigation technologies cost farmers 2,000 yuan (about US$290) per mu to install, while rural per capita net income was just 4,140 yuan in 2007.

"Who will pay the bill?" said Yan. "Technology is expensive, but water is cheaper. If the money they save on water cannot cover their investment, farmers will not be interested."

(Xinhua News Agency December 3, 2008)