Special agri plan to support border refugees, soldiers

Special agri plan to support border refugees, soldiers

Strengthening agricultural production is critical to meeting the food needs of displaced families and security forces during the current crisis.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is preparing targeted agricultural production plans to support civilians displaced by the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as soldiers deployed in frontline areas.

The initiative aims to ensure a stable food supply amid growing humanitarian and market pressures caused by the fighting.

The plan was highlighted by Khun Savoeun, Secretary of State at MAFF, during a meeting of senior ministry officials held in Siem Reap on Saturday.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Ung Kim Leang, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap province, who oversees natural resource protection initiatives and enforcement against environmental crimes.

Senior officials from provincial agricultural departments and representatives from the private sector were also in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Savoeun said the agricultural support plan is being implemented under the guidance of Prime Minister Hun Manet through the national movement ‘We Are Together For The Nation’ as well as following recommendations from Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina.

He emphasised that strengthening domestic agricultural production is critical to meeting the food needs of displaced families and security forces during the current crisis.

Savoeun expressed appreciation to private companies, development partner organisations, and provincial authorities for their cooperation and support.

He noted that the collective effort reflects national unity and solidarity at a time when many Cambodians are facing severe hardship due to the conflict.

As a concrete outcome of the meeting, participants agreed to establish specific operational mechanisms and form a technical team responsible for each city and targeted district.

These teams will coordinate agricultural production activities and ensure efficient distribution to affected areas. The plan also calls for intensified coordination between central and local authorities, alongside close collaboration with private sector players, to maintain food supplies despite disruptions.

The initiative comes as humanitarian needs continue to rise. As of yesterday, an estimated 520,000 Cambodian civilians have been displaced by the fighting.

Among them are approximately 270,000 women and 160,000 children, many of whom require urgent protection, healthcare, uninterrupted access to education, and reliable food supplies.

Most local markets in border provinces affected by the conflict remain closed or abandoned as residents flee to safer areas.

Adding to the concern, food prices in Cambodia’s border provinces are expected to increase in the coming days. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that renewed clashes are disrupting trade and supply chains, reversing a brief period of price relief seen in November.

In its latest Market Situation Update, released last week, the WFP noted that while food prices eased slightly in November 2025, fresh conflict reported in early December is likely to drive prices upward again.

The agency cautioned that continued instability could further strain household food security, underscoring the urgency of MAFF’s targeted agricultural response.

First Lady Pich Chanmony earlier called on all branches of the Girl Guides Association of Cambodia to encourage vegetable cultivation to support the displaced families, emphasising national solidarity and compassion in a time of crisis.

In another welcome development, displaced families living at a pagoda in Siem Reap province have started planting vegetables with help from local authorities.

“They are being guided by provincial authorities in this green venture, which will help meet their daily food needs at Wat Slat Romchey in Svay Chek commune, Angkor Thom district,” a statement issued by the Siem Reap Provincial Administration said.

khmertimeskh