Pailin Farmers Boost Income Through Cherry Tomato Cultivation

In Cambodia's western Pailin province, the cultivation of cherry tomatoes is emerging as a new source of income for farmers. As of September 21, 2026, Pun Chanry, a farmer from O'Andong village, Salakrou district, is growing cherry tomatoes in four greenhouse structures, benefiting from technical guidance based on natural farming methods. She reports a daily harvest of up to 500 kilograms, stating that a yield of over 300 kilograms is sufficient to support her family's livelihood. The harvested tomatoes are sold not only in Pailin province's markets but also in the Pom Pui market in Battambang province. Chanry explains that cherry tomatoes can be sold for 3,000 to 3,500 riels (approximately $0.75 to $0.88 USD) per kilogram. Consumers purchase both red and blue varieties for use in salads and daily meals, depending on their preferences. So Veng, an agricultural technician from the Pailin Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, notes that seeds are readily available in markets and the planting season is suitable between November and February. He recommends soil preparation, including drying the land for two to three weeks and mixing it with compost or animal manure, before planting. Seedlings can be transplanted 15 to 20 days after germination. He added that 75 farming households are participating in training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to produce safe food free from chemical substances. This includes using water from clean sources and avoiding cultivation near factories or polluting sites. Emphasis is placed on reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in favor of natural fertilizers and compost, thereby minimizing health impacts. Integrated pest management strategies are also crucial for controlling diseases and pests. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer