Cambodian Farmers Preserve Traditional Rice Cultivation Amidst Modernization

Some farmers in Sothnikum district, Siem Reap province, Cambodia, are preserving traditional rice farming methods passed down from their ancestors, even as modern agricultural technology and machinery have become widespread. This effort aims to pass on the culture to future generations, strengthen community bonds, and attract tourists. Sun Channar, a resident of Chrey Teu village, Kien Sangkae commune, Sothnikum district, Siem Reap province, noted that while many farmers now use machinery like tractors for plowing and practice direct seeding for rice cultivation, some households in her village maintain traditional methods for a portion of their fields. These include manual transplanting and harvesting with sickles. The primary motivation is to preserve the ancestral rice farming practices for future generations. Channar further explained that beyond agricultural benefits, these traditional farming activities foster a close-knit community atmosphere through mutual assistance during transplanting and harvesting, thereby strengthening solidarity among villagers and with neighboring communities. Moreover, the picturesque scenes of lush green rice fields and natural planting methods are attracting the interest of both domestic and international tourists eager to understand the lifestyle and original culture of Khmer farmers in the Angkor region. She expressed hope that the continuation of these traditional rice farming customs will significantly contribute to preserving the identity of Khmer agricultural culture for future generations to recognize and understand more clearly. Source: AKP Khmer