Vanndy calls for maximising economic potential of cassava
Vanndy calls for maximising economic potential of cassava
The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation and the Cassava Federation of Cambodia Tuesday discussed strategies to increase local processing and production of cassava.
Cambodia is Asia’s fourth-largest and the world’s tenth-largest cassava exporter, with 60,000 to 80,000 hectares under cultivation.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Cassava Federation of Cambodia (CFC) led by Chray Son, president of CFC, Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), underlined the need to transition from exporting fresh cassava to local processing. He said it is essential for creating higher value, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and diversifying Cambodia’s industries.
The meeting addressed challenges in the industry and explored opportunities to maximise cassava’s economic potential through local processing and value-added production, a statement from MISTI said.
“The CFC plays a crucial role in organising cassava growers, promoting starch-rich varieties, and ensuring fair practices in contract farming,” said Vanndy.
He emphasised that the ministry supports the CFC’s proposal to adopt cleaner production methods and establish cassava value chain clusters. He tasked the Institute of Standards of Cambodia (ISC) with updating cassava-related Cambodia standards to align with market needs.
Vanndy also encouraged the CFC to collaborate with Khmer Enterprise for business planning, market access, and participation in international expos. Partnerships with financial institutions such as SME Bank and ARDB Bank were recommended to secure funding for cassava enterprises.
CFC president Son emphasised the sub-sector’s vast potential. “Currently, Cambodia exports 95 percent of fresh cassava and processes only 5 percent domestically, contributing approximately $728 million to the national economy,” Son said.
“Cassava can be transformed into a wide range of products, including starch, bread, biscuits, chips, beverages, and industrial goods like paper.”
Additionally, Vanndy suggested research collaborations with the National Institute of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NISTI) to explore advanced reprocessing technologies. He also urged the CFC to mobilise Cambodia’s 90,000 cassava-growing families to join the newly launched digital platform for onboarding the informal economy, aiming to enhance their resilience and promote economic inclusivity.
On Monday, the Royal Government officially launched the “Digital Platform for Onboarding the Informal Economy” under presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
In his keynote address, Mr Hun Manet emphasised the platform’s significance in providing recognition and support for the informal economy.
It may be recalled that late last month, a delegation from the CFC Board of Directors paid a courtesy call to Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce, and reported on the CFC’s progress.
During the meeting, the CFC board of directors also requested guidance, recommendations, and support to help the federation become a strategic partner in enhancing cassava productivity as a key crop and diversifying markets to increase Cambodia’s exports.
