Battambang Cassava Farmers See Bumper Harvest and Higher Prices

Cassava farmers in Cambodia's western Battambang province are expressing joy over significantly improved market prices and a good harvest this season, compared to last year. As the harvest season, which runs from mid-October to December, gets underway, farmers are selling fresh cassava at prices ranging from 350 to 380 riels per kilogram, a substantial increase from last year's 210-250 riels. Chhieng Rum, a cassava farmer from Banan district in Battambang province, stated, "This year, my cassava has grown well, yielding large tubers and good starch content, meeting market demands. Unlike last year, there was no crop damage. Occasional rainfall prevented the young tubers from rotting, which was an issue last year." He added that the income from his 1.5-hectare farm is expected to be substantial, sufficient to repay debts and cover family living expenses, indicating a significant improvement compared to the previous year. According to Heng Sit, an official from the Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture, this year's cassava prices have risen considerably compared to last year. Fresh cassava is being traded at prices between 350 and 380 riels per kilogram, a notable jump from last year's range of 210 to 220 riels per kilogram. He further explained that cassava cultivation this year is widespread across seven districts, including Rukhak Kiri, Banan, Samlot, Ratanak Mondol, Kamrieng, Phnom Prek, and Sampov Lun, covering a total area of approximately 119,600 hectares. Planting was completed by mid-September 2026, with harvests scheduled from mid-September to December. This rise in prices and good harvest is welcome news for producers of cassava, a key agricultural product in Cambodia, potentially leading to economic stability and improved living standards. The recovery from last year's adverse weather conditions also plays a significant role.