A horticultural farm in Banteay Meanchey province. IDE CAMBODIA
Cambodian horticulturalists produce between 390 and 625kg of plastic waste per hectare per year, according to the Residence Development Institute (RDI). The study also showed that despite their many benefits, the plastics used in agriculture pose a challenge to human health and the environment.
A February 16 joint press release from RDI, iDE Cambodia, Cambodia Agibusiness Development Facility (CADF) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) warned that plastic in the ground threatens agricultural sustainability, public health and the environment.
It said the RDI worked in partnership with iDE under the coordination of CADF and sponsorship of MFAT to conduct a study on plastics used in agriculture in Cambodia.
Large amounts of plastic waste, especially the plastic used to cover growing crops, are left in the fields. They release microplastics into the ground, which enters rivers and groundwater. This can obstruct the growth of crops and other plants, which affects the food chain and poses a threat to agricultural sustainability and food security.
“The largest plastic use is in covering rows or crops, with irrigation pipes and plastic netting in second and third,” said the statement.
RDI and iDE Cambodia have collaborated on two related studies: the first on the pollution caused by plastic use in agriculture and the second on the market for plastic agricultural products that can be recycled or composted.
The two studies covered horticulture in five provinces: Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap and Kandal.
Matthew Allen, first secretary of the New Zealand embassy for Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, said his government is proud to be a longtime supporter of Cambodia, and aims to promote sustainable agricultural development and resilience to climate change.
“We are pleased to partner with iDE [Cambodia] to support agricultural initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods, as well as protecting the environment,” he said.
“New Zealand supports the study of agricultural plastic waste in Cambodia because we want to contribute to new and important discussions on sustainable solutions to the problem,” he added.
“Plastic pollution is a serious problem and a global concern. We have been active in agriculture in Cambodia since 1994, and we have noticed that in recent years the use of plastic products by smallholder farmers has increased,” said Kevin Robbins, country director of iDE Cambodia.
He added it is important to better understand the impact of this issue on the health of farmers’ families and the environment.
“In addition to studying the impact of plastic on the environment, we also want to explore the perspectives, motivations of farmers, their current practices, as well as their willingness to invest in alternatives,” he continued.
According to the joint statement, Cambodian farmers often use plastic to cover crops, as they can increase the yields, and thus their incomes.
The statement said about 67 per cent of the farmers who participated in the survey had a positive opinion about the effectiveness of the plastic covers, and planned to continue using them. About 98 per cent of farmers are aware of the benefits of the covers, which increase yields, and reduce the amount of weds that grow in their fields. About 80 per cent of them expressed an interest in changing their waste management practices, and said they would like to have access to a rubbish collection service at the commune level.
At the same time, the study identified soil-soluble plastic covers as a possible siolution. Although they are widely employed in Europe and China, these products are not available in Cambodia.
Elisabeth Rainawati, head of the RDI research team, said the research raised several concerns.
She made four recommendations. Plastic products, she said, should be used for longer so they are not disposed of so frequently. Flexible recyclable products should be introduced to the Cambodian market and investment should be made in rural waste management services and the plastic recycling industry.
“Cambodia needs soluble plastics at affordable prices. If they were produced locally, they would also boost the local economy and reduce import costs,” said Rainawati.
Biodegradable plastic bags which break down in five years and compostable ones which dissolve in just two years are available, but remain too expensive for the majority of local farmers.
