Rice prices for the IR and OM varieties are hitting a three-year high this season. At the same time, there has also been a drop in the cost of some fertilisers and pesticides, as revealed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

According to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) – the Kingdom's apex rice industry body – the current cost for IR rice stands at 1,047 riel per kg, while OM rice is priced at 1,029 riel per kg. The more costly sen kra'op (SKO) fragrant rice has experienced relatively stable pricing over the past three years, averaging between 1,000 and 1,260 riel per kg.

While rice costs rise, agriculture fertilisers have been decreasing in price since January.

"The prices of urea fertiliser were down from $35 to $23.5 per bag, while the DAP variety [18-46-0] fell from $42 to $36 per bag," a recent ministry press release showed.

Agricultural pesticides are also seeing a price decline. Atrazine 80% WP is down by 35 per cent, and both Glyphosate 48% SL and 2.4. D 72% SL have decreased from 21 per cent to 23 per cent. Mancozeb 80% WP dropped by 14 per cent, while Acephate is down by six per cent. Pricing for other agricultural pesticides has shown minor fluctuations.

These outcomes are thanks to the concerted efforts of the ministry and relevant bodies. Government intervention has been deployed to support falling rice prices during the harvest season. Steps have been taken to facilitate rice exports and introduce competitive opportunities for quality fertilisers and pesticides in the marketplace.