Cambodia Expands Support for Modern Farming to Stabilize Rice Prices

BATTAMBANG, Cambodia (Oct.39,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is expanding support for modern agricultural communities to help stabilize rice prices and secure markets through forward contracts, officials said.

The initiative aims to strengthen farmer cooperatives, promote contract farming, and improve access to technical training and transparent pricing systems.

Agriculture Minister Dith Tina reaffirmed the government’s commitment during a visit Oct. 29 to the Modern Rice Farming Community–Safe Rice Production in Moung Ruessei district, Battambang province.

He praised the group’s recent success in producing light fragrant rice under a contract farming scheme at 950 riel per kilogram.

“This approach empowers farmers to determine prices through the market mechanism rather than relying on government intervention,” Dith Tina said.

He added that forward contracts allow farmers to plan production with greater certainty, reduce market risks, and strengthen their bargaining position in a competitive agricultural sector.

The ministry said contract farming is a key pillar of Cambodia’s broader agricultural reform strategy, which seeks to boost productivity, ensure food safety, and raise rural incomes.

The model encourages closer cooperation between producers, millers and exporters, while promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

Officials said the ministry will continue working with local authorities, the private sector and development partners to strengthen the rice value chain and ensure stable markets for Cambodian farmers.

Dith Tina said building a strong network of modern agricultural communities would “enhance competitiveness, guarantee income stability, and promote long-term agricultural resilience.”

The Battambang-based community is one of several pilot initiatives demonstrating how contract farming can help farmers access guaranteed buyers and better manage production risks, serving as a model for agricultural modernization nationwide.