Cambodia Faces Worsening Drought Impact on Rice Production, Water Scarcity Concerns in Poipet

In Ta Lo Sen Chey district of Poipet province, Cambodia, a severe drought is raising concerns about its impact on rice cultivation. If the insufficient rainfall continues through September, it is estimated that the rice fields in the area could suffer devastating damage, with harvests potentially reaching only about 30% of the expected yield. This assessment was made on September 6, 2026, when His Excellency Kim Virak, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), led a working group to inspect and evaluate the drought situation in Ta Lo Sen Chey district, Poipet province. He collaborated with provincial leadership, relevant officials, and local authorities. During the visit, HE Kim Virak and his team inspected the rice crops affected by water scarcity and met with residents in the impacted areas to listen to their concerns. HE Kim Virak instructed the provincial and district administrations to prepare detailed reports on the number of affected families and agricultural land, especially those unable to harvest. He also stressed the need to clearly identify the locations and number of families facing or likely to face water shortages for consumption. According to reports from the Ta Lo Sen Chey district administration, while the area has experienced drought in the past, interventions and rehabilitation efforts have been successful in areas covered by irrigation systems, allowing farmers to harvest. However, the currently affected areas are newly cultivated lands outside the irrigation coverage, primarily relying on rainfall. Furthermore, the district governor reported that some residents are facing shortages of water for daily use as natural water sources and previously used sources have dried up. In this regard, the district administration has requested the consideration of drilling deep wells to serve as a water supply for residents in these water-scarce areas. The compiled report will be submitted to the government and relevant partners to seek timely support and intervention, aiming to rescue and mitigate the impacts of the drought, particularly ensuring water security and the livelihoods of affected residents. Source: AKP Khmer