Battambang Province Boosts Irrigation for Drought-Stricken Rice Crops

In Battambang Province, western Cambodia, efforts are being intensified to support rice cultivation affected by a severe drought. On July 27, 2026, Governor Sok Lu led a team of experts to inspect the condition of water at the Kanghot irrigation system in Banan district and several reservoirs. This inspection is part of ongoing interventions to ensure the timely and technically sound delivery of water to rescue farmers' rice crops. Governor Sok Lu stated that approximately 110,000 hectares of rice cultivation across Battambang Province have been impacted by the drought. To date, rescue interventions have successfully provided water to nearly 70,000 hectares, with further assistance ongoing. The provincial governor pledged to continue maximizing water supply interventions to aid the affected rice crops. He also instructed the provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology to remain diligent in managing and distributing water to farmers equitably and transparently. Concurrently, the governor requested the understanding and cooperation of farmers in the upper reaches who have already received water to temporarily halt pumping operations. This measure is intended to facilitate the continued flow of water to lower-lying areas currently experiencing water shortages. Farmers expressed their reassurance and gratitude to the leadership for their direct intervention and assistance in rescuing their rice crops. They recognize the significant attention and commitment from Senate President Hun Sen, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and leaders at all levels in their efforts to salvage their harvests. In line with the high recommendations from Prime Minister Hun Manet, and with the participation of Kun Kim, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Management, as well as leaders from the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Governor Sok Lu and relevant departments have been meeting directly with farmers and continuously inspecting the actual distribution of water for crop rescue. Source: CPP Cambodia