PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The Royal Government of Cambodia has inaugurated a new three-year agricultural initiative, the “Resilient Seeds for Farmers” project, aimed at bolstering the nation’s rice seed sector, improving market efficiency, and strengthening farmers’ resilience against climate change.
The launch ceremony, held in Kampong Chhnang province on Thursday, October 2, 2025, was presided over by H.E. Khim Finan, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The announcement was formalized in a press release from the Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) on October 3.
The project is being implemented by the Farmer and Nature Net Association (FNN) and funded by the FORRA Foundation. Its core focus is the enhancement of local systems for both the production and distribution of high-yield traditional rice varieties. A primary objective is to forge stronger market linkages across the entire rice seed value chain.
“This initiative is a critical step toward building modern agricultural communities that can supply high-quality rice seeds in large volumes at affordable prices,” stated H.E. Khim Finan during the launch.
The “Resilient Seeds” project will be executed in close partnership with the Camseed Modern Agricultural Community in Boribo district, Kampong Chhnang. This community is a significant local producer, specializing in rice seeds and vegetables, utilizing greenhouse technology. It encompasses over 200 households and manages nearly 500 hectares of farmland.
The Camseed community has already received substantial infrastructural support through the Cambodia Agricultural Sector Diversification Project (CASDP). This investment totaled US$160,000, covering 40 percent of the community’s total investment for new infrastructure. The funding has been allocated to purchase essential equipment, including dryers, storage facilities, greenhouses, transport vehicles, and combine harvesters.