Tina asks CFC to chalk out plan for export, expand production
Tina asks CFC to chalk out plan for export, expand production
Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Monday asked the Cassava Federation of Cambodia (CFC) to be flexible and formulate a clear strategic plan to maintain market stability, prevent price drops and prioritise the trade of fresh cassava and the processing of dried cassava for export.
Tina made these remarks during the meeting on work and progress of the federation with Chray Son, President of the CFC, and his colleagues at the ministry.
“The federation must be flexible, know about demand and supply, and have a clear strategic plan. It should plant at a level that maintains market stability, avoid encouraging the expansion of production areas, and prevent price drops,” he said.
The minister also advised the federation to carefully evaluate its organizational structure and its key role in cassava trading and processing by combining resources, collaborating effectively, gaining a clear understanding of the market size, considering economic efficiency, maintaining a strong position, and working toward its goals.
Tina said that the ministry has been promoting the development of modern agricultural communities that bring farmers together to cultivate collaboratively. These communities are designed with clear production plans, supply that aligns with market needs, adherence to proper technical standards, and access to real markets.
“The CFC should prioritise trading fresh cassava and processing dried cassava for export, rather than competing with farmers in cultivation,” said Tina.
He encouraged the federation to continue collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant parties to address challenges and achieve success, ultimately benefiting farmers.
Son recently emphasised the sub-sector’s vast potential, noting that 95 percent of raw cassava is currently exported with 5 percent processed domestically, contributing approximately $728 million to the economy.
“Cambodia ranks as Asia’s fourth-largest and the world’s tenth-largest cassava exporter, with 60,000 to 80,000 hectares under cultivation. Cassava can be transformed into a wide range of products, including starch, bread, biscuits, chips, beverages, and industrial goods like paper,” said Son.
He went on to add that the CFC will collaborate with development partners and organizations to expand and strengthen cultivation techniques, and improve production capacity with national and international standards for agricultural communities, especially the General Directorate of Agriculture of the MAFF.
Regarding the price of cassava, El Chhinh, President of the Cassava Farmers Association (CFA), told Khmer Times that cassava prices vary by region, but in Cambodia it is comparatively low.
The lowest prices are found in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces, where it ranges from 190-220 riels per kilogram. In Pailin province, prices exceed 250 riels, whereas in Mondulkiri and Kampong Cham provinces have the highest surpassing 300 riels.
Chhinh added that about 20-30 percent of domestic cassava production is used locally, with the remaining being exported primarily to Thailand and Vietnam.
Cambodia produces more than 10 million tonnes of cassava each year, with only about 2-3 million tonnes used domestically.
There are around 12 cassava processing factories across the country, but about four to five of them are currently operational.
It may be recalled that the Royal Government has established the National Cassava Policy 2020-2025, which aims to make Cambodia a reliable production, processing and supplier of cassava products to boost exports to the world market.
