Across Cambodia, a quiet transformation is taking place — one that’s bringing new hope, energy, and opportunity to the country’s agricultural sector. Once seen primarily as a source of subsistence, farming in Cambodia is now emerging as a driver of modernisation, rural prosperity, and sustainable economic growth.
From the rice fields of the lowlands to the cashew and mango orchards in the highlands, Cambodian farmers are embracing change. Traditional tools and manual labour are steadily being replaced by tractors, harvesters, and improved farming techniques. A task that once took days with a bullock cart can now be done in hours with modern machinery. Farmers who previously worked on five hectares of land can now manage up to 100 hectares — a clear sign of rising capacity and efficiency.
This change is backed by strong data. According to the most recent agricultural census, the number of agricultural households in Cambodia dropped from 2.13 million in 2013 to 1.85 million in 2023. Yet, rather than slowing down, the sector’s value has grown. In just 10 years, agricultural value-added rose from 19,501.1 billion riel to 29,721.1 billion riel — a remarkable sign that farms are becoming more productive and economically viable.
Agriculture’s share of Cambodia’s GDP has naturally declined as the economy grows and diversifies — from 24.4% in 2013 to 16.6% in 2024 — but its real value continues to rise. Cambodia is no longer relying solely on traditional farming. Instead, the country is building a smarter, more efficient, and more resilient agricultural economy.
A key part of this transformation is the shift toward high-value and market-driven crops. Cambodian farmers are increasingly growing aromatic rice, cashew nuts, mangoes, and vegetables for local and international markets. Aromatic rice now covers 465,000 hectares, supporting both national food security and export growth.
Permanent crops such as mango, banana, coconut, and cashew are becoming more widespread, with farmers aligning their production to consumer preferences and regional strengths. At the same time, cash crop farming is rising across the country. In 2024 alone, the crop sub-sector produced an impressive 39.4 million tonnes — including 13.89 million tonnes of rice — giving Cambodia a rice export surplus of 8.2 million tonnes.
Behind these numbers is a clear trend: Cambodia is growing more with less, and doing it more sustainably. Farmers are embracing commercial agriculture, adopting better seeds, smarter irrigation, and more precise farming tools. And the government is actively supporting this progress.
A $100 million Marketability and Price Stability Programme is underway, designed to stabilise prices and connect farmers to stronger markets. Meanwhile, 1,600 Commune Agricultural Officers are being deployed across the country to offer expert advice, training, and support to farming families.
One exciting development is the rise of Modern Agricultural Cooperatives (MACs), which allow farmers to work together — sharing equipment, planning production based on market demand, and selling as a group to increase bargaining power and reduce costs. This kind of collaboration is helping smallholders become competitive and sustainable in a fast-changing economy.
At the same time, nine modern agricultural communities have already been established in six provinces. These communities focus on key crops like rice, cashews, vegetables, and pepper, and are backed by partner banks that provide low-interest loans to help farmers invest in their future.
Still, the journey isn’t without challenges. Only 15% of Cambodia’s farmland is currently irrigated, and just 21% of households have access to irrigation — a crucial tool for year-round farming. But recognizing this, both the government and partners are working to expand irrigation networks and improve water management. With better infrastructure, Cambodia’s farmers will be even more resilient to droughts, floods, and shifting climate patterns.
Reliable data is also playing an important role. The National Institute of Statistics, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and international partners, is collecting accurate information through annual surveys and national censuses. This data helps shape smarter policies, attract investors, and track progress in real time.
Looking ahead, the country is preparing to host CAFE25 — a major agricultural investment forum that will bring together investors, experts, and entrepreneurs from Cambodia and beyond. The forum will showcase nine priority value chains and promote partnerships to take Cambodia’s agri-food sector to the next level.
The message is clear: Cambodia is open for business — and agriculture is full of promise.
With strong policy direction, modern tools, better infrastructure, and a growing spirit of collaboration, Cambodia’s agricultural future looks bright. Farmers are not just surviving — they are thriving. They are feeding their communities, building export capacity, and creating jobs across the country.
For those looking to invest, collaborate, or learn more about Cambodia’s growing agriculture sector, now is the time. Contact TBC Global Partners at www.tbcgp.com to explore joint venture or consulting opportunities. Together, we can grow something great — in Cambodia.
