AKP Phnom Penh, November 07, 2025 -- The market prices for the premium Phka Rumduol and Phka Malis rice varieties in Banteay Meanchey province are holding stable at levels considered acceptable by local farmers, according to a recent on-site inspection conducted by a working group from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

On Nov. 6, Dr. Ker Monthivuth, Director of Plant Protection, Sanitation and Phytosanitary Department, led the MAFF team through key rice harvesting and trading areas. The inspection covered the districts of Preah Netr Preah, Phnom Srok, Svay Chek, and Mongkul Borey.

In Bos Sbov commune, Preah Netr Preah district, farmers are selling Phka Rumduol and Phka Malis paddy rice for 950 to 1,000 Riel roughly (US$0.24 to 0.25) per kilogramme, depending on quality.

Sann Ty Rice Mill in Rohal commune, Preah Netr Preah district, is purchasing Phka Rumduol at 1,050 Riel per kilogramme (delivered to the mill). The mill has a storage capacity of about 1,000 tonnes and can dry 50 to 57 tonnes daily.

In Sarung commune, Svay Chek district, where the Phka Rumduol harvest just began this week, prices range from 950 to 1,000 Riel per kilogramme.

Siv Lay Rice Mill and Pheak Chhuoy Rice Mill in O’Prasat commune, Mongkul Borey district, are both purchasing Phka Rumduol at 1,060 Riel per kilogramme. Siv Lay processes up to 610 tonnes daily and has already procured 6,000 tonnes, while Pheak Chhuoy has a 300-tonne daily capacity and has procured 1,000 tonnes.

The working group noted that the Phka Rumduol harvest is ongoing, while the harvest of OM rice has been completed in areas like Ponley commune, Phnom Srok district, where Phka Rumduol harvesting is expected to start next week.

Dr. Ker Monthivuth reaffirmed that the current price range for these staple rice varieties is reasonable and acceptable for farmers.

Local farmers expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the Ministry’s proactive deployment of technical officials, which they believe helps ensure fair pricing and market stability.

Beyond monitoring prices, the MAFF working group provided farmers with essential technical guidance focused on improving production quality for export. Key areas of instruction included: The selection of pure rice seeds; Appropriate harvest timing; Effective pest and disease management; Proper use of agricultural chemicals to avoid excessive Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which are crucial for meeting international export quality standards.

Article in Khmer by Chhun Sarath
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak