Ministry steps in to stabilise falling paddy price

Ministry steps in to stabilise falling paddy price

Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Wednesday led a delegation to address the sharp decline in paddy prices during the harvest season in Banteay Meanchey province, facilitating fair pricing and enabling farmers to sell their crops to rice mills at reasonable rates.

A few days after the issue arose, the MAFF Minister took swift action, leading a team of technical officials and agricultural experts to inspect rice harvesting activities in Rohal commune, Preah Netr Preah district, Banteay Meanchey on March 26.

During his visit, Tina urged farmers to establish cooperative agricultural communities, an organised working group that collaborates, develops clear plans, and shares collective profits.

Additionally, he encouraged local agricultural officials and authorities to intensify their efforts in supporting farmers in Rohal commune, ensuring the delivery of effective and highly efficient technical assistance.

According to the MAFF announcement, Taing Bunnet, a representative of rice farmers in Rohal commune, expressed his gratitude to the Minister and the working group for their timely intervention in negotiating paddy prices with rice mills.

He noted that this effort enabled farmers to secure fair prices and earn a reasonable profit.

On the same day, the Minister went on to visit the Banteay Chhmar Temple Agricultural Cooperative (BCTAC) to promote the development of a connected agricultural community and explore additional market opportunities for farmers in Banteay Meanchey.

During the visit, Choeur Ratana, President of BCTAC, reported that the cooperative comprises 200 members cultivating approximately 100 hectares of land. Their production includes watermelons, sweet cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, peppers, pumpkins and various other crops for market supply.

Ratana requested the Minister’s support in organising the cooperative into a formal agricultural community to access low-interest loans, expand infrastructure, develop net houses, improve irrigation systems, and reduce market risks through structured production planning based on actual market demand.

Recognising BCTAC’s potential, Tina encouraged Ratana and the members to expand their network, build a sustainable agricultural community, and embrace innovative approaches.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration, planning, supply-demand balance and establishing clear production contracts.

The initiative is centered on shared interests, with profits distributed based on production ratios. He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to securing additional markets and buyers for the community.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Sidet (30), a farmer with nearly 100 hectares of farmland in Banteay Meanchey, said that paddy prices have recently dropped significantly, particularly for the OM5154 variety, which is exported to Vietnam.

Located about 17 kilometers from Rohal commune, Sidet noted that the OM variety was previously sold at nine baht per kilogram, equivalent to 1,060 riels or approximately $0.26 in 2024.

“This harvesting season, however, prices have fallen to 5.5 baht per kilogram, around 650 riels or just $0.16,” he said.

Although prices have recently increased to six baht per kilogram, Sidet stressed that this is still unsustainable for farmers. “A reasonable price for us would be at least 7.5 baht or roughly $0.20 per kilogram,” he added.

When asked about the MAFF’s recommendation to reduce OM variety cultivation, he pointed out that the soil in Banteay Meanchey differs from that in other provinces.

“The soil here is mixed with sand, and only the OM variety can withstand the local climate,” he said.

He expressed skepticism about the viability of new rice varieties recommended by agricultural experts.

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