AKP Phnom Penh, January 05, 2026 --

Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen links between farmers and private buyers advanced further with the signing of an additional rice supply contract in Kampong Thom province, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said.

The agreement was signed between a green company and two modern agricultural cooperatives, under the chairmanship of H.E. Khim Finan, the ministry’s Under-Secretary of State.

The total volume of rice contracted between green companies and modern agricultural cooperatives nationwide has exceeded 40,000 tonnes, with a combined value estimated at around US$9.2 million, according to the ministry’s statement issued on Jan. 4.

Officials said the contract reflects steady progress in the government’s push to promote modern agricultural cooperative by ensuring reliable market access and price certainty for farmers before the planting season begins. The approach is aimed at reducing income risks caused by price fluctuations and dependence on middlemen.

H.E. Khim Finan said the ministry has now completed market linkages for all modern agricultural cooperatives for the current rice season, with prices agreed in advance. 

“This has helped farmers plan production more confidently while meeting the quality and volume requirements of private buyers,” he said.
 
MAFF has worked with financial institutions to expand access to affordable credit. About 2,000 farming households have so far received low-interest loans to support rice cultivation across nearly 15,000 hectares in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom and Kampong Chhnang provinces.

Rice remains one of Cambodia’s key agricultural exports, and the ministry has stressed that deeper cooperation between farmers, agribusinesses and the government will be essential to sustaining growth and competitiveness in regional and international markets.

By Sum Kosal