New MAFF measures to cut reliance on imported vegetables, official says

New MAFF measures to cut reliance on imported vegetables, official says

By prioritising local production, Cambodia can reduce its dependence on neighbouring countries for vegetables that could otherwise be grown within its borders.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is considering a set of new policies aimed at moving Cambodia towards vegetable self-sufficiency, a shift intended to significantly reduce the volume of vegetable imports entering the Kingdom.

The initiative was underscored during a meeting chaired by MAFF Secretary of State Hean Vanhorn, who led discussions on national vegetable demand, the types and quantities required, and the feasibility of increasing local production to replace a substantial share of imported supply.

Held at the Directorate of Agriculture in Phnom Penh, the meeting brought together senior MAFF officials responsible for a range of crop sectors.

The discussions focused on developing a clearer management plan to support year-round vegetable cultivation, ensure quality and safety standards, and reinforce the country’s long-term commitment to boosting domestic agricultural output.

By prioritising local production, officials emphasised, Cambodia hopes to lessen its dependence on neighbouring countries for vegetables that could otherwise be grown within its borders.

Vanhorn outlined several measures that MAFF will pursue to drive this transition. These include strengthening the rehabilitation and development of vegetable seed research stations, upgrading irrigation systems, and providing technical training to farmers.

He also highlighted the importance of encouraging the formation of modern agricultural communities and promoting opportunities for co-investment in the sector.

In addition, MAFF intends to identify appropriate vegetable-growing zones that meet environmental standards, reinforce safety-compliant production practices, establish contract-based supply arrangements, and provide farmers with consistent market information to help stabilise the sector.

Vanhorn added that MAFF will also work to enhance the capacity of municipal agriculture officers, particularly in the field of cultivation techniques.

Strengthening these officers, he said, is essential to ensuring they can serve as effective facilitators for farmers, providing direct support and guidance as production expands.

Cambodia currently imports an estimated 30-40 percent of the vegetables consumed domestically, although older estimates suggested the figure may have reached as high as 70 percent when commercialised local farming was less developed.

In 2020, local production met roughly 68 percent of the nation’s total vegetable demand, leaving about one-third dependent on imports.

Despite progress, Cambodia continues to face significant obstacles on the path to self-sufficiency. These include climate-related vulnerabilities such as droughts, floods, and pest outbreaks; insufficient irrigation systems; limited access to capital and modern farming equipment; and gaps in sustainable agricultural knowledge.

Challenges such as soil degradation, post-harvest losses and financial constraints further complicate efforts to scale up domestic vegetable production.

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