Cambodia Maintains Food Security Despite Expected Yield Drops

By Hun Sirivadh

PHNOM PENH, May 29, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s food security remains stable despite projected declines in agricultural yields driven by the global energy crisis and soaring fertilizer prices, the Ministry of Agriculture said Friday.

Spokesman Khim Finan told a roundtable at the Royal Academy of Cambodia on Friday that rising energy and fertilizer costs could push domestic rice and agricultural production expenses up by about 15 percent. He warned that if farmers abandon fertilizer use entirely to cut costs, crop output could plunge by 35 percent.

Despite the risks, Finan stressed that national food security is not under threat because Cambodia’s rice production consistently doubles domestic demand. “If food is available, it is not a national challenge for us. The real problem is the impact on the livelihoods of our farmers,” he said.

To cushion the impact, the ministry is encouraging farmers to form modern agricultural communities to safeguard supply chains and ensure fair market value.

According to ministry data, Cambodia’s 1.85 million farming families produced more than 15 million tonnes of rice last year, while domestic consumption stood at just 6 to 7 million tonnes, leaving a significant surplus.

To address immediate shortages of oil, gas and fertilizer, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn secured guarantees from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during talks in New York on May 27 that Beijing would ensure steady supplies.

Cambodia imported about US$420 million worth of fertilizers in 2025, according to the Ministry of Commerce.