AKP Phnom Penh, March 27, 2026 --

High-level representatives from across Cambodia’s agricultural sector gathered at the Sustainable Food Agriculture Conference 2026 held in Phnom Penh to boost low-carbon rice production. 

The event was co-organised by Amru Rice Company, the Agricultural Community Corporation, and the Cambodia Rice Federation.

The conference was presided over by H.E. Touch Bun Hour, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; H.E. Kao Thach, Government Delegate in charge as Director General of the Agriculture and Rural Development Bank; H.E. Mey Kalyan, Senior Advisor to the Supreme Economic Council and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cambodia Agricultural Community Corporation along with 150 participants from relevant institutions.

In his keynote address, H.E. Kao Thach emphasised the implementation of sustainable agricultural production, namely the efficient and sustainable use of land, fertilisers, pesticides, and water to maintain sustainable use and increase resilience to climate change.

He said the excessive use of agricultural pesticides and fertilisers could have serious impacts on soil and water quality, and without proper reduction and utilisation, land and water resources will become scarce resources in the future.

“ARDB has been fully involved in climate change mitigation by providing green financing to all actors in the value chains of agricultural and agro-industrial production, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture, he stressed.

Additionally, H.E. Kao Thach affirmed continued support for Cambodia's rice sector, as it is a key agricultural sector and a key crop for maintaining Cambodia's food security. Cambodian rice is not only an agricultural product but also represents the livelihoods of farmers, national economic strength, and national pride.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Mr. Lay Chhun Hour, President of the Cambodia Rice Federation, stated that in the current global context, climate change, the loss of natural resources, and the increasing demand for food have created significant pressure on the agricultural sector. 

For Cambodia, the rice sector is an important economic chain that not only supplies food to the people but also helps create jobs and income for farming families, he stated, adding that the transition to sustainable agriculture is not an option but an obligation.

“Achieving sustainable agriculture requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, development organisations, and all farmers to ensure that the future of Cambodia's rice sector will be strong, competitive, and can sustainably supply food to future generations,” he said. 

Cambodia exported 940,321 tonnes of milled rice in 2025, marking a 45 percent year-on-year increase, according to a report from the Cambodia Rice Federation. 

The exports generated US$602 million in revenue, up 22.6 percent from US$491 million recorded in the previous year, the report stated.

By Chea Vannak