Every harvest season, rice farmers face the same routine problems, namely limited access to markets, price fluctuations, and complaints about low prices and price speculation by some traders as well as loss of income. These issues affect not only farmers’ incomes but also the development of an efficient and competitive rice sector.
To solve these recurring challenges, there are two possible approaches:
- Proactive Approach
- Reactive Approach
A proactive approach means that farmers secure a market in advance through contract farming agreements before planting.
A reactive approach means that farmers rely on agricultural officers to help solve market problems only when they arise at harvest time.
MAFF considers the proactive approach as the only sustainable and effective solution to the problems faced by farmers and the rice sector in Cambodia.
To address these challenges, the Royal Government of Cambodia has introduced Priority Programs for the Agriculture Sector (Priority 5 and Priority 6). In line with these policy priorities, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has deployed Commune Agriculture Officers (CAOs) in every agricultural commune and is promoting the establishment of Modern Agricultural Cooperatives (MACs).
Farmers who register and cooperate with CAOs can prepare production plans based on market demand and secure contracts with rice mills before the planting season (Priority 6).
Rice mills, in turn, are supported through access to special financing programs (Priority 5) to purchase paddy under contract farming agreements.
Farmers participating in contract farming also benefit from facilitated access to services and inputs at fair prices, as well as financial arrangements that reduce the burden of production and harvest costs.
MAFF invites all market-oriented farmers to register with the CAO to receive government support in ensuring access to markets as well as other agricultural support services.
Yang Saing Koma (MAFF), 26 August 2025
