In Battambang’s Prey Touch Commune, young Commune Agricultural Officer (CAO) Sela often discusses agricultural matters as the growing challenge of weed control with Chean, an experienced local farmer. With delayed monsoons and erratic rainfall traditional transplanting disappeared. Most Cambodian farmers have shifted to direct seeding, relying heavily on herbicides. Sela, aware of the risks, hopes to understand how experienced farmers like Chean have adapted to these changes.
Chean, who practices broadcast seeded rice since 1983, shares his wisdom with Sela. For him, success lies in careful timing: ploughing multiple times, applying the minimum herbicide only when the soil is wet, and flooding the field for at least ten days to suppress weeds. Sela returns home with a plan — using his methods as a model to inspire other farmers in the community.