On June 1 last year, the Irrigation Agency held a commemorative ceremony for the water release of the Zhuo Main Canal. This year, on the same date, the agency once again observed traditional customs by performing a solemn ritual at the headworks of the Zhuo Main Canal, praying for smooth water flow and sufficient irrigation for farmers, while hoping the Zhuo Main Canal will continue nourishing the beautiful land of Yunlin for generations to come. 

Unlike in previous years, this year’s ceremony was officiated by newly appointed Director Lin, accompanied by Deputy Director Tsai, Secretary Yang from the Director’s Office, section heads, team members, as well as dozens of guests including legislators, local officials, and farmers. Though smaller in scale compared to last year’s event, the ceremony remained dignified, with the same heartfelt sincerity and reverence.

The Zhuo Main Canal was designed and constructed under the direction of Japanese engineer Yoichi Hatta during the Japanese colonial period, beginning in 1920 and officially commencing water delivery in 1924. For a century, it has irrigated vast stretches of farmland in the Yunlin Irrigation District and sustained generations of local residents. 

The Zhuo Main Canal is the largest irrigation system managed by the Yunlin Management Office, covering an irrigated area of approximately 34,500 hectares. Its primary water source is the Zhuoshui River, diverted through the south bank channel of the Jiji Weir, with supplementary intake through Inlet Nos. 2 and 3. The river water is distributed via the octagonal Linnei Diversion Works, supplying the Zhuo Main Canal, the Zhuoshui Hydropower Plant, and industrial users.

Construction of the system began in September 1920 (Taisho 9) under the “Guantian River and Irrigation Canal Project.” This project also included the Chianan Main Canal, the Zhuo Main Canal, and the New Huwei River Branch Canal. As a result, some older farmers in the Yunlin region still refer to the Zhuo Main Canal as part of the “Chianan Main Canal” or the “Guantian Canal.”
Director Lin remarked that the ritual at the headworks marking the start of water delivery follows traditional customs passed down from the former Irrigation Associations. Each incense offering represents the agency's earnest prayers for safe and reliable water delivery, ensuring farmers have the water they need. Regardless of how the system or institutions evolve, the agency’s unwavering mission remains: to promote greater well being for farmers.