Pursat (FN), Jan. 20 – In response to criticism from the opposition, which claims that the Royal Government has done nothing to help farmers find markets—particularly following the recent decline in OM rice prices—Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet presented statistical comparisons of Cambodia’s agricultural exports in 2022 and 2024, highlighting the expansion of export markets and key importing countries.
The premier spoke on Monday (Jan. 20) at the inauguration of the newly established village “Bun Rany Sen Chey Damnak Troyeung” in Pro’ngel commune, Phnom Kravanh district, Pursat province.
“We are considering both domestic and international markets. In 2023 alone, Cambodia produced 13 million tonnes of rice, while our population of 17 million consumed only 5 million tonnes. What would happen to the remaining 7 million tonnes? We are working tirelessly to secure more foreign markets for our farmers. To illustrate this, in 2022, we exported 8.6 million tonnes of agricultural products to 74 countries, including 3.5 million tonnes of rice to neighbouring countries and an additional 640,000 tonnes to 62 countries. By 2024, our total agricultural exports rose to 11 million tonnes across 94 countries—an increase of 20 countries within two years,” the premier underscored.
He added, “In terms of rice, our exports grew to 5 million tonnes, including shipments to three additional countries, such as Portugal. Specifically, in 2024, we exported 650,000 tonnes of rice to 75 countries. This demonstrates our continued efforts to find new markets for our farmers.”
According to the 2024 report by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia exported 11.66 million tonnes of agricultural products—equivalent to 30 per cent of the total crop production—earning USD 4.792 billion, an increase of USD 143 million compared to 2023.
The major agricultural products exported included paddy rice, milled rice, rubber, cassava, mango, fresh bananas, pepper, cashew nuts, corn, coconut oil, dried cassava slices, fresh mangoes, and more than 77 other agricultural products.
=FRESH NEWS
