Dith Tina, Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), said on December 30, 2024 that the Royal Government prioritizes maintaining stable agricultural prices, deploying commune agricultural officers, and building modern agricultural communities.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the meeting to ‘Summarise the results of the crop sub-sector work in 2024 and outline the implementation goals for 2025’, at the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Tina emphasised the importance of providing recommendations, guidance, and further direction to the General Department of Agriculture, according to a MAFF statement released on December 31.

He highlighted evaluating the results achieved in comparison to the agreement signed with the ministry, aiming to improve work efficiency, target efforts more effectively, and address the actual needs in the current context.

“The Royal Government’s priority policies in the agricultural sector including maintaining stable agricultural prices, deploying commune agricultural officers, and building modern agricultural communities, must be given careful attention by agricultural officers and implemented effectively and efficiently,” Tina said.

The minister also recommended focussing on the quality of supply across all sub-sectors and through modern agricultural communities, which is key to meeting market demands in both quality and quantity. This includes implementing clear techniques, achieving economies of scale, properly balancing demand and supply, and effectively connecting the value chain.

Regarding agricultural input work, Tina said that this area must continue to receive attention, with a focus on clear pricing, as well as strengthening market power and negotiating power.

“The ministry will promote the work of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the National Laboratory of Cambodia to enhance research and experimental efforts, innovative, and capable of serving all sub-sectors within the agricultural sector,” Tina said.

“We must collaborate across all sub-sectors to benefit farmers and protect national interests, particularly in the development of the agricultural sector which is a crucial contribution to supporting national economic growth and achieving Cambodia’s vision for 2030 and 2050.”

The minister urged leaders and civil servants to continue working hard and to publicise their achievements to gain genuine support and recognition .

According to Khim Finan, spokesman for MAFF of Cambodia, in 2024 the ministry established ten modern agricultural communities in six provinces for rice, vegetable, pepper and cashew nut. “The year 2025 will be a crucial year for expanding the scope of the modern agricultural community.”