The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has sought support from the World Bank on developing the agriculture sector, mainly for vegetable production and aquaculture.

Its minister Veng Sakhon made the request at a meeting yesterday with newly-appointed Country Director of World Bank to Cambodia Maryam Salim.

Sakhon asked the World Bank to consider assisting the agriculture sector development in Cambodia  as he lauded the bank’s support so far on the subject. The projects are supported in vegetable production chains, modernisation and aquaculture development.

“The projects are to increase production, to enhance quality and safety and to strengthen the production chain to satisfy the required standard for exports of Cambodian products to international markets,” the minister said.

Salim said she will submit the requests to the World Bank for consideration.

According to Sakhon, the World Bank is supporting agricultural development projects, which have been playing an important role in improving living standards, sustainable economic growth, family and employment opportunities.

The assistance has also contributed to the use of appropriate technologies, agricultural diversification, adaptation to climate change, ensuring food security and nutritionand sustainable natural resource management.

The request comes at a time Cambodia is keen to boost local production of vegetables, fruit and aquaculture to supply domestic demand, reduce dependence on imports and increase exports.

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Sunday asked China to buy more agricultural products from Cambodia.

The call was made in a meeting between Mr Hun Sen and visiting Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi.

Local vegetable production was 716,113 tonnes in 2020, an increase of 5 percent over 2019’s total of 681,099 tonnes, according to a report from the ministry.

Vegetable consumption in Cambodia was extremely limited that year, meaning that Cambodia had to import vegetables from abroad – mainly from Vietnam, Thailand and China – to meet demand.

Source from: Chea Vanyuth(2021). Cambodia seeking World Bank support for agriculture. Retrieve from: Khmer Times(September 16, 2021). https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50936038/cambodia-seeking-world-bank-support-for-agriculture/