Mom Kunthea / Khmer Times

Three modern rice farming communities have been established in three districts of Battambang province. This initiative is expected to encourage the creation of similar communities across the country in the future.

The three modern rice farming communities, including Moung Ruessei, Banan, and Thmor Koul districts, were mentioned by Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State and spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), on Sunday.

He said that the Modern Agricultural Community Working Group of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has organised the first general assembly for the modern rice farming community, held at the same time in three districts—Moung Ruessei, Banan, and Thmor Koul. The establishment of these new communities is expected to inspire the creation of similar initiatives across the country in the future.

On the occasion, Finan expressed his joy and extended congratulations to farmers who have recognised the benefits and joined together to form modern rice farming communities. He noted that these communities help farmers secure market prices in advance, reduce production costs, and access capital support.

“After the establishment of these three additional modern farming communities, Battambang province now has a total of four modern rice farming communities in a short period of time, making it the province with the largest number of modern rice farming communities in Cambodia today,” Finan said.

He added that initial figures show about 700 farmers have come together to cultivate more than 4,000 hectares under this model.

“Overall, we see strong momentum as farmers in Battambang province show increasing interest in participating in modern agricultural communities. From having none at all, the province now has four modern rice farming communities in a short time—and there may be another one in the near future,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Hun Manet previously stated during the first congress of the Senate and National Assembly in June that the Royal Government has been paying close attention to and supporting the development of modern farming communities by preparing a series of budget packages to strengthen them.

He noted that the government has already established 12 additional modern agricultural communities and officially registered them in seven provinces, including Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Takeo, Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, Tboung Khmum, and Pursat provinces, out of a total of 2,601 existing farming communities nationwide.

The Premier added that these communities currently focus on four strategic crops—rice, vegetables, cashews, and pepper—covering 114,021 hectares, with an annual productivity valued at $19.77 million.

The Prime Minister further announced that the government has decided in principle to prepare a special budget package of 35 million dollars to provide low-interest loans to modern agricultural communities over the three years from 2025 to 2027.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has been expanding the development of modern farming communities in several provinces and focusing on crops with high potential, such as cashews, rubber, and durian,” he said.

It is worth noting that a modern farming community is an organised group of farmers who adopt modern techniques, share resources, and work collectively to secure markets, reduce costs, and improve access to finance.

Published Date: September 16, 2025