Cambodia and Australia have recently launched a new type of rice called CPS 70, which was developed after nine years of collaboration between the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Australian government. The new rice variety is a result of combining an award-winning Cambodian rice variety, Phka Rumduol with CNi9024.
The new rice variety underwent 80 on-farm trials during both dry and wet seasons, and three farmer participatory events with almost 90 participants, including a third of women, to assess promising lines. After careful evaluation, one line was selected and submitted to the National Varietal Release Committee of the Ministry for approval.
The Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Dith Tina, and the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Justin Whyatt, jointly harvested and launched CPS 70 at the Harvesting Ceremony at CARDI. According to a joint press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Australian Embassy in Cambodia, CPS 70 is an aromatic rice variety that takes only three months to grow. It is a non-seasonal rice variety that is resistant to climate change, floods, and droughts.
Furthermore, farmers can grow Champei Sar 70 seeds two to three times a year, leading to increased production and yields. The new variety is expected to significantly reduce the capital burden for planting, storage costs, and post-harvest loss. The press statement added that the new rice variety is named Champei Sar 70, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of important diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia.
Tina stated that the new rice variety will significantly contribute to the diversification of fragrant rice production and the export of fragrant rice to international markets, which will improve the lives of Cambodian farmers. Meanwhile, Whyatt expressed his pride in supporting the Ministry of Agriculture and CARDI to develop Champei Sar 70, adding that he hopes farmers across Cambodia will grow it to supply local and international markets, including the Australian market.
CARDI Director Lor Bunna mentioned that the rice variety is beneficial to farmers and traders as it can help them reduce the cost and effort of maintaining their fields. As it is a non-seasonal rice variety, traders can buy Champei Sar 70 throughout the year.
Agriculture is an important pillar of the Cambodian economy, contributing nearly a quarter of Cambodia’s GDP in 2021. Additionally, more than 60% of Cambodia’s total rice production is exported worldwide, and fragrant rice is in high demand.
Theng Savoeun, the President of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community, expressed that the introduction of Champei Sar 70 is a good variety for farmers to cultivate. He believes that using this rice variety for farming can save time and make it easy to find a market for their produce.
Source: Khmer Times
