Dry-season rice cultivation reaches 90,000 ha in Battambang
Dry-season rice cultivation reaches 90,000 ha in Battambang
Rice cultivation during the dry season in Battambang province has reached nearly 900,000 hectares, exceeding the original plan of 27,000 hectares by 318 percent. This significant increase has led to challenges in securing a sufficient water supply for farmers.
The data was reported by a local authority to Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology (MoWRAM), during his mission to rescue rice cultivation of 1,700 hectares in Banan district of Battambang on February 2.
During the mission, a local authority informed the Minister that the initial plan for dry-season rice cultivation in 2025 was only 27,000 hectares. However, actual data showed that farmers had expanded their fields to 86,115 hectares.
“Specifically, in 11 villages of Banan district, the plan for dry-season rice cultivation was 800 hectares, but the actual cultivation reached about 1,700 hectares,” he said.
He added that although the team made efforts to pump water to support farmers, three hectares of rice were completely damaged due to their distance from water sources.
Addressing concerns about the water supply, Chetha emphasised the Royal Government of Cambodia’s (RGC) strong commitment, comparing it to a parent who always strives to ensure their child’s well-being by finding every possible way to provide a better life.
The Minister said that RGC is committed to addressing farmers’ concerns by implementing new strategies to develop modern agricultural communities.
“This includes introducing high-quality rice varieties with desirable characteristics that align with the demands of international export markets,” he noted.
To achieve this, Chetha urged farmers to cooperate and follow the guidance of local authorities, particularly commune chiefs, who directly address challenges and ensure all progress.
The mission to inspect dry-season rice cultivation was accompanied by Sok Lou, Governor of Battambang Province, along with leaders, technical officers, and local authorities from MoWRAM and other relevant departments.
According to a MoWRAM announcement, the inspection aimed at ensuring a stable water supply for 1,700 hectares of rice fields in Banan district and to engage with a farming community benefiting from the Kamping Pouy irrigation system in Battambang province.
It may be informed that on January 20, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) reported that Battambang, a leading rice-producing province of Cambodia, exceeded 330 percent of planned capacity last year, overcoming challenges such as water shortage and falling prices.
