Cambodia Launches Vocational Training for Agricultural Material Retailers

A vocational capacity-building training course for agricultural material retailers, specifically focusing on pesticides and fertilizers, has been launched in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia. This training is being conducted as part of the government's broader efforts to modernize the agricultural sector and enhance productivity. The course commenced on July 29th at the Kampong Provincial Hall, presided over by H.E. Lao Rasmei, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Mr. Ly Vet, Deputy Governor of Kampong Thom Provincial Administration. Attendees included officials from the provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as numerous agricultural material retailers. The primary objective of this training is to elevate retailers' understanding of legal standards, procedures, and technical aspects related to the management and trade of agricultural materials. Specifically, it aims to disseminate knowledge on current laws and regulations, along with technical guidance on the proper use, storage, display, packaging, distribution, and import of pesticides and fertilizers. Deputy Governor Ly Vet and Undersecretary Lao Rasmei highlighted the crucial role of agriculture in sustaining Cambodia's economic growth, ensuring equity, food security, and promoting rural development. They encouraged the implementation of necessary measures to drive the modernization of the agricultural sector, including building and improving infrastructure and services supporting agricultural production, increasing the provision of agricultural technical extension services, agricultural technical research aimed at increasing crop yields and adapting to climate change, managing and enhancing soil fertility, strengthening agricultural communities, and building and reinforcing human and institutional capacities. The vocational training for wholesale and retail sellers of agricultural pesticides and fertilizers, including company staff, students, and citizens, is considered highly significant in contributing to the enhancement and strengthening of professional capacities within the agricultural sector. This ensures participants gain genuine knowledge and professional skills in compliance with the Law on the Management of Agricultural Pesticides and Fertilizers. Retailers play a vital role as suppliers of agricultural inputs and providers of technical information to farmers, necessitating close collaboration with agricultural officials, particularly the legal office of the Department of Agriculture. According to a report from the Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, this marks the 14th training session held, with a total of 1,717 participants to date. H.E. Lao Rasmei advised the trainees to diligently pay attention to the lectures and discussions by the trainers and facilitators, and to disseminate the acquired knowledge to end-users, especially within their communities and local areas of business. Source: AKP Khmer