Cambodia urges farmers to form agricultural communities to stabilize rice prices

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.03,2015) — Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, has called on farmers to establish modern agricultural communities to secure market access and ensure fair prices for their produce.

The appeal follows reports of falling paddy rice prices at the start of the harvest season. Tina said the ministry has long promoted the formation of such communities to help stabilize prices and connect farmers with buyers ahead of planting seasons.

Cambodia has approximately 1.7 million farming households cultivating more than 3 million hectares of land. However, he noted that modern agricultural communities have yet to be established in every commune.

He urged stakeholders to take concrete steps to address declining rice prices, including rice mills purchasing paddy at fair rates, input suppliers offering delayed payment terms, landowners reducing rental fees, and consumers supporting local rice and mills that work with farmers’ groups.

“Turning sympathy into practical support is essential to ensure farmers receive fair returns for their produce,” Tina said.

The ministry is continuing efforts to promote inclusive agricultural development and strengthen community-based farming models across the country.