Cambodian pepper production is projected to increase to more than 10,000 tons next year due to rising demand in both the local and international markets, according to Ministry of Commerce undersecretary of state Chan Tit Ramo.

Mr. Ramo said that pepper had been identified as a priority crop for both export and local consumption, and that this was part of the government’s overall strategy to support agriculture to ensure food security and increase exports. The government is not relying only on the industrial sector for growth, he said.

The Ministry of Commerce is supporting the private sector and farmers so that they can sell their produce in the international market, he said. This support takes several forms, including workshops to raise awareness among farmers about export potential, promoting local produce internationally, facilitating the participation of business at international trade shows, building a national association of pepper producers, and continuing to strengthen public services, including the new online business registration system and certificates of origin, Mr. Ramo said.

Khann Samban, director of the department of industrial crops at the Ministry of Agriculture, said pepper is grown in 18 provinces, but the main plantation area is Tbong Khmum province. About 8,000 tons of black pepper is grown on 3,000 hectares of plantation each year, he said, adding that nationwide there are about 4,645 hectares of pepper plantations. Black pepper plantations are also found in Ratanakkiri, Mondoulkiri, Kampot, Kratie and Pursat provinces, but each province only produces about 2.5 to 3 tons of black pepper a year.

Mr. Samban said the plantation area for black pepper has increased more than 40 percent this year, from 2,653 hectares in 2014 to 4,645 hectares this year. Production rose from about 7,500 tons last year to about 9,800 tons this year. Next year the total will be about 11,000 tons as the cultivation area expands to meet rising demand and rising prices.

Vietnam and Thailand are the major markets for Cambodian pepper, but small amounts are also exported to East Asia, Australia and the European Union, Mr. Samban said.

Nguon Lay, president of the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association said Kampot pepper production rose to 58 tons this year from 33 tons last year. Last year, pepper plantations covered only 20 hectares but this year they expanded to 25. Kampot pepper is the only pepper in Cambodia to receive geographical indicator certification. Black pepper sells for $15 per kilogram on average.

The market for Kampot pepper is growing, Mr. Lay said. “We expect to reach about 70 to 80 tons in 2016. Now, we are not afraid to enter any market because there are more and more buyers for our Kampot pepper,” he said.

The association expects that 53 tons of pepper will be produced in the next harvest. Kampot pepper is selling not only in the United State market, but also in the European Union, Germany and East Asia. The association only produces enough Kampot pepper to meet demand, Mr. Lay said.

A report by the International Pepper Community said Cambodia produced about 8,000 tons of black pepper for domestic consumption and export last year, 9,000 tons this year and is forecast to produce 11,000 tons next year.

From Khmer Times