AKP Phnom Penh, June 24, 2025 --

Farmers in Kampot province are finding a lucrative side hustle in an unexpected place: bat droppings.

In Po village, east Banteay Meas commune, locals are supplementing their incomes by raising bats and selling their valuable excrement.

This unusual farming practice isn't new to the area. Many households have been raising bats since the 1990s, with some farmers housing four or five cages. It is considered an easy and profitable venture, with a single cage capable of generating up to 300,000 Riel (approximately US$75) per month from droppings alone.

"Raising bats isn't difficult as long as you build a proper cage," explained this morning Ten Sok, a farmer from Po village. "I can earn up to 20,000 to 30,000 Riel per day just by selling the droppings, which helps cover food expenses and other daily needs."

Chhim Seap, another local farmer who also collects bat droppings, echoed the sentiment, noting the positive impact on her family's livelihood. She stated that a single bat cage, typically constructed from around 200 palm leaves, consistently yields 200,000 to 300,000 Riel monthly.

Kim Vanny, Head of the Agricultural Office in Banteay Meas district, confirmed that bat farming is active in two communes: East Banteay Meas and Thnot Chong Srong.

Beyond farmed bats, the district also boasts a protected community conservation area for wild bats in Phnom Kean Chum Preah Kuhear Luong. This conservation area, located in Chrok Khley village, West Touk Meas commune, is a significant source, yielding an impressive 40 to 50 paint buckets of bat droppings daily.

The growing interest in bat farming and droppings collection is not only bringing economic benefits to local communities but also highlighting a unique, sustainable use of natural resources in the region.

Article in Khmer by Prak Leang
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak