MAFF pushes for local organic fertilizer production
MAFF pushes for local organic fertilizer production
Producing organic fertiliser will help create jobs, boost farmers’ profits and improve their living standards. It will also contribute to the sustainability of agricultural land quality
Local organic fertilizer production not only helps farmers reduce production costs by being more affordable than imported fertilizers, but it also addresses sanitation and environmental issues in urban areas by utilising waste as raw material, said Kong Chanveasna, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF).
Chanveasna made these remarks after completing an inspection of the domestic fertilizer production chain across the country last week. A team from the Ministry of Agriculture inspected the domestic fertiliser production chain nationwide to study how companies operate, challenges they face, and whether the ministry can offer any additional support.
“Our goal is to develop and implement policies that encourage capital expansion for domestic fertilizer manufacturers, thereby reducing production costs and increasing profits for farmers,” he said.
“As part of the ministry’s policy, as well as the Royal Government’s policy, we support farmers in reducing their production costs, which include expenses for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides,” Chanveasna added.
The use of organic fertilizers is still limited. In the past, most farmers relied on the use of chemical fertilisers, which are quick to produce and produce more.
“I also want to clarify why we need to focus on organic fertiliser. This type of fertilizer can be used on the same crops, helps preserve the soil in the long term, and is more affordable compared to the chemical fertilizers we import from abroad,” he explained.
He made it clear that when farmers use a combination of organic fertilizers and chemical fertilisers, it helps reduce their overall costs.
Chanveasna encouraged farmers to use a mixture of organic and chemical fertilizers because the two must work together, one cannot replace the other.
“The more we use organic fertilizers, the better the soil will maintain its quality, and we can reduce our reliance on chemical fertilisers in the future,” he said.
“Once we finish our visit to inspect the organic fertilizer production chain in all provinces, we will identify the key issues for the ministry to study in detail. We may then prepare a package or policy to encourage expansion for certain companies that have a market but need capital, among other resources, so that we can support them and enable them to supply more,” Chanveasna emphasised.
According to MAFF, Cambodia currently has over 10 medium-sized companies and industries producing more than 40,000 tonnes of organic fertilizer locally each year to supply farmers. With continued support, most of these companies and industries are expanding their production chains and increasing output to meet market demand.
Si Len, Director of Save the Lives (Cambodia) Co Ltd in Pursat province, said that organic fertilizers improve soil conditions for long-term sustainability, providing crops, vegetables, and fruits with essential nutrients. This not only enhances agricultural productivity but also contributes to the overall well-being of citizens.
“I have noticed that our farmers are increasingly using locally produced organic fertilizers. We also thank the Ministry of Agriculture for supporting local production, and appreciate the government for its continued support of the agricultural sector, particularly in encouraging local producers,” he remarked.
Len added that 200 kilograms of organic fertiliser are used for one hectare of rice to ensure that the soil is well-nourished and regenerated.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia generates 4 million tonnes of garbage per year, or more than 10,000 tonnes per day.
