Cambodia trains farmers on climate-resilient rice farming techniques

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Banteay Meanchey province has launched a training program titled "Farmer Field School on Climate-Resilient Rice Production Techniques in Accordance with the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) Program." This initiative aims to enhance rice yields and reduce production costs for farmers, thereby improving their livelihoods in the face of climate change. Presiding over the opening ceremony on July 31, 2026, in Chang village, Tras commune, Svay Chek district, Mr. Run Sophannara, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, clearly highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture, particularly on rice cultivation, which is the primary source of income for farmers. Mr. Sophannara emphasized that shifting from traditional farming practices to modern, climate-resilient techniques aligned with the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards is crucial. He stated that implementing SRP techniques not only makes rice crops more resilient to climate variability such as droughts or floods but also helps reduce excessive use of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. This leads to significant cost savings for farmers, higher yields, food safety for consumers, and compliance with both domestic and international market demands. He added that the "Farmer Field School" serves as a platform for hands-on learning in the rice fields, making it easier for farmers to understand and immediately apply the knowledge to their farming activities. Farmers participating in the training expressed their excitement and strong hope for the new knowledge gained. A representative farmer joyfully shared that they have often faced challenges such as irregular weather patterns, pest infestations, and high costs for fertilizers and chemicals. However, after receiving guidance and training on SRP techniques, they now have a clear understanding of soil preparation methods, seed selection, water management, and targeted application of agricultural inputs. The farmers pledged to effectively implement this knowledge on their land and share it with other farmers in their villages and communes to collectively restore and improve their family economies. The event was attended by Mr. Sae Sat, Provincial Advisor for the PCRL Project, officials from the Agronomy and Agricultural Productivity Office, project focal points, commune council members, commune agricultural officers, village authorities, and a total of 40 farmers, including 21 women. The training program is expected to significantly contribute to strengthening the capacity of local farmers in implementing sustainable rice production techniques and responding effectively to current and future climate change challenges. Source: AKP Khmer