Battambang Pomelos Fetch High Prices Amidst Bountiful Harvest

The harvest season for pomelos, a popular citrus fruit, is currently underway in Cambodia's Battambang province, with market prices reaching their highest levels in several years, bringing joy to local farmers. Pomelos are widely appreciated for their health benefits, being rich in vitamins and particularly useful for those recovering from illness or needing nutritional support. Historically, Battambang province, especially the Banon district, was renowned for producing the finest pomelos. In the past, 'Banon pomelos' were so sought after that they were specifically requested even in the capital city, Phnom Penh. However, in recent years, soil degradation in the area led to a decline in fruit quality. Despite this, new cultivation areas in villages like Ou Donbon, Ou Khchey, and Ou Slao have emerged, with farmers there growing pomelos that are now said to rival the taste and quality of the original Banon variety. In these new production zones, the demand is so high that buyers are reportedly visiting the farms directly to purchase the fruit, eliminating the need for farmers to transport their produce to market. Mr. Chhen Rean, a farmer from Ou Khchey village, Ou Donbon 1 commune, Sangke district, who inherited his pomelo orchard from his father, expressed his satisfaction with this year's harvest. He stated, "During the harvest season, I barely need to take my fruit to market; buyers come directly to the farm to purchase it. The price of pomelos this year has significantly increased, making both myself and other farmers very happy." Mr. Rean encouraged consumers, both within the province and in other provinces or the capital Phnom Penh, to try the pomelos from Ou Khchey village, noting their delicious taste is comparable to the original Banon pomelos. Mrs. Vong Mantha, a fruit vendor at the Boeng Chhouk market and the Phouy Poi market in Battambang, reported that the pomelos she is selling this year are attractive in appearance and possess a delightful sweet and sour flavor. These fruits are sourced from Ou Donbon, Ou Slao, and Ou Khchey, areas known for their quality pomelos. She added, "This year's selling price can reach 50,000 riels per kilogram (approximately $1.50 USD), which is a good price for us vendors and also reasonable for customers who enjoy Battambang pomelos." The high prices and abundant harvest of pomelos this season represent a positive development for Battambang's agricultural economy, contributing to improved livelihoods for the farmers.