Sustainable food agriculture conference held to boost low-carbon rice production

Sustainable food agriculture conference held to boost low-carbon rice production

High-level representatives from across Cambodia’s agricultural sector gathered at the Sustainable Food Agriculture Conference 2026 in Phnom Penh to boost low-carbon rice production.

The event was co-organised by Amru Rice Company, the Agricultural Community Corporation and the Cambodia Rice Federation.

The conference was led by Touch Bun Hour, the secretary of state at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); Kao Thach, the director general of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) and government delegate; and Mey Kalyan, senior advisor to the Supreme Economic Council and chairman of the board of the Cambodia Agricultural Community Corporation.

In his keynote address, Kao Thach emphasised the implementation of sustainable agricultural production, specifically the efficient use of land, fertilisers, pesticides and water to increase resilience to climate change.

He warned that the excessive use of pesticides and fertilisers could have serious impacts on soil and water quality. Without proper reduction and utilisation, he said, these resources will become scarce.

“ARDB has been fully involved in climate change mitigation by providing green financing to all actors in the value chains of agricultural and agro-industrial production, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture,” he stressed.

Additionally, Kao Thach affirmed continued support for the rice sector, noting it is a key crop for maintaining Cambodia’s food security and represents the livelihoods of farmers and national pride.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Lay Chhun Hour, president of the Cambodia Rice Federation, stated that climate change and increasing food demand have created significant pressure on the sector.

“For Cambodia, the rice sector is an important economic chain… the transition to sustainable agriculture is not an option but an obligation,” he said. “Achieving sustainable agriculture requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector and development organisations.”

Cambodia exported 940,321 tonnes of milled rice in 2025, marking a 45% year-on-year increase, according to a report from the Cambodia Rice Federation. The exports generated $602 million in revenue, up 22.6% from $491 million recorded the previous year. 

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