Khmer Times

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has outlined urgent measures to address challenges in the rice market during Cambodia’s early harvest season, pledging that no farmer will be left without buyers for their paddy.

In a statement released on social media, Secretary of State Yang Saing Koma said the problems faced by farmers this season can be divided into two categories: lack of buyers and low purchase prices.

“In the first case, where farmers struggle to find buyers, the ministry prioritises solutions by directing partner rice millers to step in and purchase paddy at fair prices. Farmers encountering this situation are encouraged to contact commune agriculture officers or the ministry directly,” he wrote, adding that farmers can also report cases through social media, provided they clearly specify the farmer’s name, location, and harvest date.

For the second case, where paddy is being bought at lower-than-expected prices, Dr Koma explained that the ministry is coordinating negotiations between farmers and millers to agree on acceptable prices while preventing price manipulation. He stressed that paddy quality—ripeness, grain purity, variety, and moisture content—remains a key factor in determining market value.

Currently, 20 large rice mills have joined the government’s effort to stabilise the market and ensure timely purchases. To support these mills, the Ministry has partnered with the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) to provide a third round of special government-backed credit, enabling mills to buy larger volumes of paddy in line with national targets.

“Overall, the government will not allow farmers to be left without a market and will work to ensure that both farmers and mills can reach fair prices to maintain competitiveness, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and safeguard the sustainability of our rice sector,” Koma said.

He also encouraged farmers to register as part of producer groups or modern agricultural cooperatives through commune agriculture officers. This, he explained, would make it easier to plan cultivation, establish contract farming agreements, and guarantee minimum prices before planting.

Cambodia is expected to produce more than six million tonnes of surplus paddy this year beyond domestic demand, destined for export as rice and paddy to international markets. However, the country faces stiff competition in both price and quality, especially against India, Thailand, and Vietnam, which together control around 70 per cent of the global rice market.

On average, Cambodia is currently harvesting about 40,000 tonnes of paddy per day in August, according to the ministry’s figures.

“This is the time for all stakeholders to work together for our national rice sector, which is an integral part of building the nation,” Koma added.

Published Date: August 25, 2025