Rice Federation Urges Government to Stabilize Harvest Prices Ahead of Peak Season

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.21, 2025) —The president of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), Oknha Lay Chhun Hour, has called on the government to continue supporting and protecting rice prices as farmers prepare for the upcoming harvest season.

Speaking during the Rice Working Group meeting under the Government-Private Sector Forum on Oct. 21, Lay said the federation is not raising new issues at this time, as previous concerns have already been submitted and partially resolved. However, he emphasized the need for renewed attention to price stability, especially for the fragrant Romduol rice variety, which will be harvested in November, followed by other varieties in December, January, and February.

The CRF also urged continued financial support for rice millers to help them purchase paddy from farmers at full capacity. Lay highlighted the importance of maintaining fair market prices for rice by facilitating the purchase of milled rice by-products, such as broken rice and bran.

The working group meeting, chaired by Agriculture Minister Dith Tina, was convened to discuss market interventions and harvest preparations for the upcoming wet season. It also served as a platform for private sector representatives to raise challenges and propose solutions to strengthen Cambodia’s rice industry.

In the first nine months of 2025, Cambodia exported 596,341 tonnes of milled rice, generating $408.93 million in revenue. This represents a 33.7% increase in volume compared to the same period in 2024 and was sent to 69 destinations, with major markets being Europe, China, and ASEAN countries, according to CRF.