Mam Roeun checks on the progress of his fast-growing colony of frogs, grown in plastic jerry cans. PHOTO SUPPLIED
In the heart of Phnom Penh, amidst the backdrop of traditional frog farming practices, one man stands out with his pioneering approach.
Eschewing the customary ponds or rubber tents, this enterprising farmer, Mom Roeun, has discovered a remarkable path to prosperity by utilising dozens of 30-liter plastic jerry cans within the confines of his home compound.
Not only does this unconventional method grant him financial rewards, but it also showcases his resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability. Each month, Roeun earns more than 2 million riel ($500), proving that innovation can yield impressive results.
At first glance, Roeun’s residence appears to be an ordinary single-story concrete house. However, upon stepping into his compound, an extraordinary sight unfolds – a line of white plastic jerry cans adorning metal rails. These cans are not mere storage containers; they house Roeun’s thriving frog ponds, nestled in Boh Angkanh 1 village, Prek Eng commune, Chbar Ampov district.
For the 63-year-old father of four, frog farming is not a professional occupation but a cherished family enterprise. As he gracefully embraces his twilight years and prefers to work from the comfort of his home, raising frogs serves both as a source of income and a form of exercise – an activity he likens to walking.
It was during the challenging days of the pandemic that inspiration struck Roeun. Observing his sister’s surplus of plastic jerry cans, remnants of alcohol sanitisers, he pondered the best way to repurpose them.
“I raise frogs during the Covid-19 pandemic. My sister had multiple alcohol-based hand sanitiser jerry cans and gave me half a dozen of them. I used these jerry cans to raise frogs. As they thrived in this setup, I decided to purchase more jerry cans to accommodate their growth,” he said.
Conscientious about the environment, Roeun dismissed the thought of burning the plastic or burying it in the ground. Instead, he embarked on a journey of transformation, converting the jerry cans into vessels for raising frogs.
Each can became a miniature frog habitat, carefully arranged along the walls of his house on a sturdy metal stand. This ingenious solution stemmed from the constraints of his narrow land, measuring only eight metres in width and 28m in length. Roeun meticulously drilled holes on one side of each jerry can, akin to an old man’s big toe, to ensure proper airflow – a vital element for his amphibian residents.
From a modest beginning with just ten jerry cans, Roeun’s enterprise quickly burgeoned. Today, he oversees over 100 jerry cans, procured from local markets.
Driven by an unwavering passion for learning and a desire to remain active, Roeun delved into the depths of knowledge available on platforms like YouTube. Armed with newfound insights, he sourced his frogs from Siem Reap and introduced them to the jerry cans, equipped with ingenious irrigation systems of his own design.
As the frogs matured, Roeun meticulously sorted them by gender to avoid cacophonous croaking. A single jerry can became a comfortable home for ten frogs, while the larger specimens found refuge in spacious tyres, awaiting eager buyers.
Patience is the essence of frog farming, as it takes 55 days for the amphibians to reach maturity and be separated. From that point, it requires an additional two and a half months to prepare them for sale. Roeun procures specially formulated frog feed from the market and ensures his amphibious residents are nourished twice a day, with meals served in the morning and evening.
On average, Roeun boasts an impressive stock of 4 to 5 frogs per kilogramme, which he sells for 13,000 riel per kg. With a thriving business, he manages to sell 5-6kg of frogs daily, culminating in a monthly income exceeding 2 million riel. Discerning buyers flock to his residence, eager to acquire the succulent amphibians directly from the source.
To Roeun, frog farming represents more than just financial gain. It symbolises self-sufficiency and the ability to put food on the table without reaching into one’s pockets.
“We no longer need to spend our hard-earned money on groceries when we have frogs readily available,” he proudly states.
Customers who frequent Roeun’s farm attest to the superior taste of his amphibian produce. The meat of his frogs boasts a unique texture, thanks to their robust upbringing in the jerry cans.
Ever the advocate for his craft, Roeun generously shares his wisdom with those interested in joining the ranks of frog farmers. His advice resonates with simplicity and determination: regardless of the size of one’s dwelling, diligence and efficiency pave the path to success.
In a world where there is an almost perpetual demand for frog meat, Roeun’s story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that ingenuity and hard work can transform lives.
Ngin Dy, the head of Phnom Penh’s Fisheries Administration, has taken notice of the rising trend in frog farming. He acknowledges the potential of this practice as a family business, where frogs can be reared in jerry cans, small ponds, or even tyres.
Dy suggests that such endeavors can complement existing fisheries, particularly in relation to the breeding of “pra” shark catfishes. By diversifying their income streams, families can enhance their livelihoods and secure a more sustainable future.
In the verdant landscapes of Phnom Penh, Mom Roeun’s story illuminates the power of innovation, perseverance, and a touch of resourcefulness. As he tends to his frog-filled jerry cans, he not only nurtures a thriving business but also demonstrates the possibility of transforming everyday objects into avenues of prosperity.
In a world where sustainability and self-sufficiency are paramount, Roeun’s journey serves as a beacon, guiding others towards success in the unconventional realm of frog farming.
