PHNOM PENH: On March 8th in a concerted effort to revitalize Cambodia’s agricultural landscape, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, H.E. Dith Tina, convened a crucial meeting with rice farmers in the Preah Netr Preah and Phnom Srok districts of Banteay Meanchey province.
The focus of the gathering was to accelerate the development of modern agricultural communities, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and resilience.
The meeting provided a vital platform for local farmers to directly address their concerns to the Minister. Key issues raised included limited access to credit for equipment upgrades, the need for enhanced technical training on sustainable farming practices, and the detrimental effects of volatile rice market prices.
Minister Dith Tina stressed the importance of modern agricultural communities, highlighting their role in integrating advanced technologies, improved cultivation techniques, efficient irrigation systems, and climate-resilient strategies. He emphasized the crucial need for resource integration to boost productivity, optimize land management, and expand market access for farmers.
“Modern agricultural communities are indispensable for building a sustainable and competitive farming sector,” stated H.E. Dith Tina. “The ministry is fully committed to supporting our farmers through targeted training programs and resource assistance to ensure their long-term success.”
In response to the farmers’ concerns, Minister Dith Tina outlined the ministry’s comprehensive plan. This includes expanding initiatives to provide certified seeds and fertilizers through agricultural communities, conducting thorough market price assessments, negotiating favorable deals with export companies, and organizing regional training workshops in collaboration with international partners.
Furthermore, the Minister urged farmers to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the principles and regulations of modern agricultural communities before joining, stressing the importance of informed participation to maximize economic benefits.
This meeting signifies a pivotal step in Cambodia’s agricultural transformation, aiming to establish a more stable, sustainable, and prosperous farming sector for the nation. The government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture through these initiatives is expected to have a significant positive impact on the livelihoods of Cambodian farmers.