Heifer International Cambodia handed over 3 refrigerated and 4 non-cold chain trucks and 14 agricultural transport vehicles for Agricultural Cooperatives (AC) through its new signature programme entitled “Poultry Project of National Pride in Cambodia FY21-FY26”.

Nhem Sareth, country director of Heifer International Cambodia, said the 21 farming communities were pleased to receive the vehicles to facilitate the transport of agricultural products from poultry farmers and crop production teams to markets in districts, provinces, and Phnom Penh.

He said: “These means of transportation are very important in addressing challenges such as the quality of agricultural products that we have not been able to afford in the past because of delivery delays in bringing products to market, especially in the context of the Covid-19 outbreak in the community.”

“From now on, the 21 farming communities will have the opportunity to expand the production of chicken, rice and vegetables due to the transportation from the location of the business to the market,” Sareth said.  “The main point related to the implementation of the new programme is that the processing enterprise of Khmer chicken is the national pride of Cambodia.”

Minister of Agriculture Veng Sakhon said that in connection with this support, on behalf of the ministry he expressed his appreciation to Heifer International Cambodia for participating in improving the vegetable and chicken production chain.

“Khmer farming of agricultural communities ensures productivity, quality, safety and marketing, creating employment opportunities and income in the context of Covid-19,” he said.

Sakhon said he hopes that the organisation will continue to examine the possibility of supporting more farming communities to meet the practical needs of transporting vegetables, fruits, fish and meat to markets, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and other retail outlets to maintain fresh quality products, save time, reduce the loss of quantity or quality of products caused by transportation and refrigeration for storing products.

Sareth said that since the Covid-19 pandemic the agriculture community has suffered negative effects to its economy and public health.

“However, it is fully acknowledged that our farmers have been facing many, serious challenges and difficulties such as limited purchasers of their agricultural products, worsened livelihoods, loss of jobs among the household members and decreased incomes. Whenever agricultural producers, purchasers, processors and sellers are considered, they have been seriously affected by Covid-19.”

Heifer International Cambodia is currently helping 34,758 households, 1,282 self-help groups and 75 agricultural cooperatives operating in 28 districts of 11 provinces.

It has recently adopted the budget of $260,000 for urgent interventions during the Covid-19 outbreaks with an aim to help 4,737 affected households to cope, in which each household was given a donation of $55 to increase food security and strengthen livelihoods, and 20 percent of this donated budget will be deposited in the bank accounts of 75 agricultural cooperatives (as revolving loan fund) to accumulate capital for agricultural cooperative activities.

Source from: Son Minea(2021). Agricultural Vehicles Donated for Use by 21 Farming Communities. Retrieved from: Khmer Times, National(June 22, 2021). https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50878659/agricultural-vehicles-donated-for-use-by-21-farming-communities/