Cambodia trains cashew farmers to cut costs and tackle climate risks

Cambodia trains cashew farmers to cut costs and tackle climate risks

Cambodia strengthened technical support for cashew farmers to improve productivity, reduce production costs and prepare for climate risks ahead of the 2026 to 2027 growing season as the industry seeks to improve nut quality and competitiveness.

Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia President Uon Silot, in collaboration with Polytechnic Institute of Kampong Thom Director Phoeung Sophal and Angkor Green Company Chief Executive Officer Kan Sokhen, organised a technical training workshop for 74 farmers and stakeholders in Kampong Thom province yesterday.

The training focused on improving cultivation practices, managing pests and diseases, adapting to weather conditions, and helping farmers make better production and marketing decisions. Technical sessions covered orchard preparation, flower management, nutrient application, and techniques to encourage timely flowering, fruit setting, and retention. Farmers received guidance on spraying schedules to support flower development and increase yields.

Pest and disease management addressed pesticide resistance. Experts advised farmers to rotate pesticides from different chemical groups, avoid using the same group more than twice consecutively, and follow recommended application rates to improve effectiveness. Participants learned to identify conditions encouraging disease outbreaks, including high humidity, rainfall, poor soil drainage, and pathogen spread through contaminated equipment.

Climate resilience featured prominently, with participants learning about the effects of a Super El Niño event, including drought, heatwaves, and irregular weather patterns disrupting flowering, fruit development, yields, and quality. Farmers were encouraged to monitor weather conditions, maintain soil health, and adjust orchard management to rainfall, sunlight, and humidity.

The workshop addressed production costs and market prospects, including dried cashew nut price trends during the 2026 harvest and the outlook for the 2026 to 2027 season, helping farmers make informed decisions about production and marketing.

Improving productivity, maintaining quality, and managing costs strengthen the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the cashew industry in Cambodia.

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