The finance ministry launched the acceleration programme for digital agriculture businesses on October 25. PHOTO SUPPLIED
The Ministry of Economy and Finance, in conjunction with the state-run Techo Startup Centre (TSC), has officially introduced phase two of the Digital Agriculture Accelerator programme, under the Sustainable Assets for Agriculture Markets, Business and Trade (SAAMBAT) project.
The competitive initiative invites entities from the agricultural sector, agribusiness, startups and existing digital platforms to seek added resources and technical backing.
The initiative, launched on October 24, garnered interest from business leaders, civil groups, stakeholders in the digital agriculture sector and the public. The aim was to secure applicants for project funding, which focuses on introducing innovative digital technologies to Cambodia’s agriculture sector, in order to boost productivity, strengthen the rural economy, and importantly, engage the youth.
Taing Nguonly, executive director of TSC, noted that SAAMBAT is a five-year initiative led by the government. He said the project commenced in late 2019 and is set to conclude by end-2025.
He further highlighted that SAAMBAT’s primary objective is to uplift the productivity of rural youth and businesses. This, he said, aligns with the broader aspirations of alleviating poverty and ensuring food security.
“The TSC has the mandate to foster the development of a digital technology platform named the Khmer Agriculture Suite [KAS]. This is geared towards the rural economy and is set to benefit approximately 25,000 farmers and other value chain participants by augmenting their utilisation of digital technologies for economic gains,” he stated.
He noted that the second phase of the accelerator programme would allocate funding to three to five successful applicants, with an annual fund of $200,000.
He enthusiastically urged businesses with pioneering digital solutions to apply for the grants.
Ek Manil, CEO of DamDoh, a company that develops mobile apps to boost agricultural communities and winner of the programme’s first phase, emphasised the ubiquitous benefits of smart technology across sectors on October 25.
He observed how farmers globally, particularly in developed nations, have reaped its advantages.
He said agricultural technology is not merely an option but a pressing necessity, and that it holds the promise of reducing production costs, augmenting yields, enhancing product quality, minimising ecological impact and establishing firm connections with both domestic and international agricultural markets.
“For our Cambodian farmers to predominantly focus on producing for both local and export markets, it’s paramount that they prioritise family sustenance. This approach, rooted in family food production policies, had previously steered our government through the tumultuous civil war era,” he recalled.
In 2022, phase one of the accelerator programme received applications from 30 candidate groups across the country. Each of these groups presented digital technology platforms with the potential to substantially elevate the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
