Agriculture minister Dith Tina inspects rice stores in Kampong Speu province on August 22. Agriculture ministry
Despite tens of thousands of hectares of rice crops being affected by climate change and pest infestations, production and exports in 2024 are not expected to be impacted, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Ministry undersecretary of state Khim Finan acknowledged that this year's crops have faced challenges, including insects, floods, droughts and the improper use of pesticides by farmers. However, he assured that these factors would not impact the country’s rice yields.
"We are not concerned about any decline in rice production or our rice exports. While there is some impact, it remains minimal. Whether from rodents or floods, the percentage of affected crops is very small," he said.
"There is a difference between impact and damage. Impact exists, but we have not yet determined the extent of the damage. There has been drought in recent days, but if it continues without rain, it could lead to damage. According to forecasts, rain is expected in the coming days. So, we will monitor the situation together," he added.
Currently, officials from the ministry are intervening in areas affected by climate change and destructive insects, he noted.
"The ministry continues to monitor the situation. We believe that these impacts will not affect the export volume because the impact and damage are small, and we had already increased our production earlier this year," he explained.
In the first seven months of 2024, the country exported 379,546 tonnes of rice, valued at $280 million. The commodity was sold through 53 rice export companies to 64 destinations. Among these, 26 European countries imported 186,377 tonnes, worth $144.92 million, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).
Additionally, 77,204 tonnes were exported to China, including Hong Kong and Macau, earning $48.28 million; 77,933 tonnes were exported to seven ASEAN countries, including Timor-Leste, valued at $53.58 million; and 38,032 tonnes were sent to 28 other countries, including those in Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, earning $33.19 million.
Cambodia also exported 2,711,179 tonnes of paddy rice to neighbouring countries, valued at an estimated $784.60 million. Of this, 80.50 per cent was exported with documents certified by the relevant authorities.
Soth Kimkolmony, spokesperson for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), reported that besides the recent flash floods, some provinces, namely Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey, have also been severely impacted by droughts.
He noted that in Banteay Meanchey, 27,033 hectares of rice fields have been affected, resulting in damage to 2,523 hectares from a total area of 270,162. Additionally, 461 hectares of corn have been affected, with 223 damaged.
"The Department of Water Resources and Meteorology and relevant authorities are intervening. In areas where there are water sources, they are pumping it. In the next four or five days, if there is no rain, areas without water sources may experience increased impact and damage. However, if it rains, it could help improve the situation," he said.
Kimkolmony noted that in Oddar Meanchey, a total of 4,391 hectares of rice fields, equivalent to 21.92 per cent of the province's total 20,030 hectares, have been affected, with 590 hectares completely destroyed. He said authorities have also pumped water to rescue 800 hectares of rice fields.
