In Phnom Penh, the report described more than 30 years of active agricultural research cooperation between Cambodia and Australia, supporting productivity and Cambodian farmers’ livelihoods.
The partnership focuses on agricultural modernisation, climate resilience and food security, mainly through technology and agricultural science.
Key activities include laser land levelling to improve rice production efficiency, reduce water use and increase smallholder yields. Crop and livestock research also includes cassava disease management and development of locally suited chicken breeds.
The report highlighted the new “Champei Sar 70” rice variety, developed from Cambodia’s well-known Phka Rumduol, with a reported average yield of more than four tonnes per hectare, contributing to farmers’ incomes and living standards.
Community-based poultry breeding programmes have also been implemented to improve local chicken production and suitability for regional climatic conditions.
The report linked the cooperation to Cambodia’s 2022–2030 agricultural development strategy, which seeks greater technology use and improved agricultural value chains.
Fiona Simson, chair of Australia’s Commission for International Agricultural Research, visited Cambodia and met Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Dith Tina to review achievements and explore future cooperation.
The report expected the longstanding partnership to continue improving Cambodian agriculture and its international competitiveness.
By: KPS 99TV
