Battambang Province Rescues Over 70,000 Hectares of Rice Amidst Drought

In Battambang Province, western Cambodia, over 130,000 hectares of rice fields have been affected by severe drought. However, thanks to the swift intervention of provincial authorities, more than 70,000 hectares of these rice fields have been successfully rescued. Governor Sok Lu has been actively working with relevant departments to secure water resources to support farmers facing water shortages. The situation was particularly dire in remote areas and those far from irrigation facilities, where severe crop loss was a risk without timely intervention. According to a report from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, over 320,000 hectares have been planted out of the 2026 rice cultivation plan of 456,000 hectares. However, this year's water scarcity has put more than 130,000 hectares of rice fields at risk of drought, representing approximately 40% of the planned area. Due to the provincial administration's dedication and Governor Sok Lu's direct site visits, various methods have been explored to supply water to drought-stricken areas, resulting in the rescue of over 70,000 hectares. Authorities are committed to continuing their efforts to save as much of the remaining rice crop as possible. The governor has instructed relevant departments to monitor weather patterns and water levels, and to mobilize irrigation machinery and equipment for water pumping in water-scarce areas. He also emphasized the efficient distribution and diversion of water from existing reservoirs, and advised farmers on water conservation techniques and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Furthermore, he called for transparent and efficient updates on the impact of the drought. This data will be used to report to the National Committee for Disaster Management for requests of seed assistance for farmers who have suffered significant losses. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local