Cambodia exported over 18,053 tonnes of red corn to international markets during the first half of 2023, marking a 78.74 per cent decrease over the same period in 2022. Hong Menea
Red corn prices in Battambang province during the ongoing 2023 harvest season have shown a slight increase compared to the corresponding period last year. However, weather conditions have marginally impacted the quality of red corn kernels this year.
This information comes from both silo owners and key figures in the Battambang red corn production sector, which plays a vital role in supplying red corn to the international market, primarily Thailand.
Battambang, a significant red corn gateway, witnesses biannual harvests – one from July to August and the other from October to February.
Chan Muy, the owner of a silo storage facility and collection point in Sampov Loun district, said on August 21 that the red corn harvest had commenced over a month ago.
The cost of corn on the cob currently ranges between 5.6-5.7 baht (650-665 riel, or $0.15) per kilogramme, and dried corn sells for 10.5 baht (1,225 riel). This indicates a 0.1 baht (11 riel) rise compared to the same period in 2022.
Muy noted that preliminary data suggests a slightly larger corn planting area this year, but a dip in corn kernel quality due to weather conditions. However, the price remains on par with last year.
“This year’s red corn price is a tad higher, but quality may be slightly lower compared to last year,” she said.
The red corn purchased by Muy from local farmers is destined for Thailand for processing into food products and animal feed.
Heng Sithy, an official at the provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, remarked that by the close of the third week (August 19), approximately 80 per cent of the red corn harvest in Battambang was complete, covering an expanse of over 70,000ha. Yields reached up to seven tonnes per hectare in some regions, while averaging three to four tonnes per hectare in most areas.
“These figures are provisional, as officials are preparing comprehensive data on cultivation and harvest conditions,” he said.
The acreage dedicated to red corn cultivation undergoes annual fluctuations in response to market dynamics and weather patterns. Farmers alternate between substantial red corn cultivation and other crops like cassava, mung beans and eggplants. Corn typically requires 120 days to mature for harvest, according to Sithy.
Kim Hout, director of the provincial Department of Commerce, said that due to a shortage of warehousing, drying silos and processing facilities within Cambodia, about 80 per cent of red corn yields harvested by Battambang and boarder province farmers are bought by traders and later resold to Thai traders. Red corn significantly contributes to farmers’ income in the province.
“Corn prices this year have improved, and cross-border transportation presents no hindrances. Red corn plays a pivotal role in meeting local consumption and export demands,” Hout said.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia exported over 18,053 tonnes of red corn to international markets during the first half of 2023, marking a 78.74 per cent decrease over the same period in 2022. In contrast, exports totalled 172,890 tonnes in 2022.
