Agriculture ministry secretary of state Yang Saing Koma has reiterated his call for farmers to use natural fertilisers for sustaining soil fertility. He renewed the call while meeting with 400 farmers from 10 communes in Cheung Prey district, Kampong Cham province, on June 30.

In a social media post, Saing Koma underscored the importance of good farming techniques, including the use of genetically pure rice seed varieties, compost and proper field preparation.

“Self-production of good rice varieties is very profitable. In addition, collaboration, experiences and evaluation of the quality and efficiency of fertilisers from various companies, such as those of Sunflowers and Panda Man, are very important,” he said.

“We have also continued to collaborate with other businesses on fertiliser experiments in partnership with other companies, with the goal of helping farmers benefit from their use and maintaining soil fertility,” he added.

Song Saran, president of the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), said the apex rice body has been urging local producers and entrepreneurs to invest in domestic fertiliser production.

He said this initiative aims to reduce reliance on expensive imported chemical fertilisers.

Saran stressed that farmers should utilise natural or organic fertilisers made domestically, as they are cost-effective, promote domestic production, and have positive environmental and climate change implications.

Despite slower results compared to chemical fertilisers, the use of compost also benefits the soil.