Cambodian Minister Highlights Rural Infrastructure, Agricultural Innovation in Battambang

BATTAMBANG, Cambodia (Oct. 4, 2025) — Minister of Rural Development Chhay Rithisen led a high-level delegation to Battambang province Saturday to assess progress at the Tasey Samaki Agricultural Community, a growing model for sustainable farming and rural innovation.

The delegation, which included senior ministry officials and local authorities, visited Tasey village in Tameun commune, Thmor Koul district, where they met with residents and inspected infrastructure projects funded under the Cambodia Agricultural Sector Diversification Project.

Tasey Samaki comprises 161 households cultivating 50 hectares of land. The community specializes in safe vegetable production—cabbage, kale and lettuce—grown in net houses. Facilities include 260 white net houses, 91 black-shade net houses, a warehouse and an office building.

The community also operates a shared irrigation system and engages in livestock and aquaculture, raising poultry, pigs and fish, and cultivating mushrooms and grasshoppers.

Officials inspected two newly completed roads: a 3.25-kilometer DBST road and a 2.49-kilometer gravel road, both aimed at improving access and logistics for local farmers.

Rithisen praised the community’s innovation and productivity, citing its alignment with Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Pentagonal Strategy Phase I, which targets high-income status for Cambodia by 2050.

“This model reflects the direction we want for rural Cambodia—modern, resilient and community-driven,” he said, adding that rural development remains central to national progress.

He outlined key priorities including climate-resilient infrastructure, improved sanitation, vocational training and community empowerment.

The delegation also delivered gifts and greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet and the Royal Government, reaffirming support for grassroots development initiatives.