Khmer Times Staff / Khmer Times

The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has called on all provincial departments to disseminate information to farmers cultivating dry-season rice, urging them to be cautious about water shortages caused by over-cultivation.

Thor Chetha, Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, chaired a meeting yesterday focused on the campaign to promote and strengthen farmer water user communities (FWUCs) at the ministry.

During the meeting, Chetha noted that provincial departments have prepared water maps for 2024, which outline the availability of water for irrigation and daily use, as well as plans for dry-season rice paddies at the local level. This information is being disseminated through the Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs Committee to ensure farmers understand the need to align their cultivation practices with available water resources.

Currently, there are 577 FWUCs nationwide. In 2024, the Ministry established seven new communities and provided technical support to 177 FWUCs. For 2025, plans include creating seven additional FWUCs – one in Pursat province, two each in Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, and Kampong Thom provinces – and providing technical support to 185 FWUCs across Phnom Penh and 24 provinces.

Chetha said this campaign marks the start of efforts to strengthen water-using communities, a key responsibility of the Ministry. As the agency responsible for managing water resources, it is committed to raising awareness about sustainable water use for agriculture and daily needs.

He also noted that during last year’s dry season, the Ministry issued guidelines under the single-system policy, cautioning farmers against cultivating second and third dry-season rice crops due to the risk of water shortages. Such shortages could lead to losses and negatively impact livelihoods.

A few weeks ago, the Pursat Provincial Administration announced a temporary suspension of second rice cultivation during the dry season, following the harvest of the first season crop in January 2025.

According to the water resource plan for the 2024-2025 dry season by the Pursat Department of Water Resources and Meteorology, the available water supply in 2025 is sufficient for only 20,000 hectares of rice cultivation.

Published Date: January 14, 2025