CRF Secures Strong Phka Rumduol Buyback with State Financing

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 25, 2025) — The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) has completed large-scale purchases of premium jasmine rice, known as Phka Rumduol, following the government’s release of $40 million in intervention capital to stabilize prices and support farmers.

CRF President Lay Chunhour said Tuesday that with financing channeled through the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank, member rice mills have been able to buy Phka Rumduol at stable and fair prices. He noted that millers have been purchasing actively and consistently, with the current buying cycle expected to conclude within four to five days.

“Operations have run smoothly and mills have faced no major challenges. But once this harvest ends, storage facilities will be nearly full. Our next priority is to secure markets for Phka Rumduol before the next wave of harvest begins,” Chunhour said.

Farmers are expected to begin harvesting Neang Khon, several heavy paddy varieties, 54-51 rice and Sro Nge in early December, adding supply pressures.

ARDB Director General Kao Thach recently confirmed that nearly $20 million of the $40 million fund has already been disbursed to more than 20 rice mills, most of which are focusing on Phka Rumduol purchases.

To maintain price stability, the government earlier approved another $40 million for the November–December harvest period. The fund, part of the national agricultural financing program, provides revolving capital loans to rice mills to purchase as much paddy as possible at reasonable prices.