In a significant development for the agricultural sector, Cambodia reported a 25.2% increase in milled rice exports in January 2024, reaching 46,221 tonnes, compared to 36,900 tonnes in the same month the previous year. According to the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF), this surge in exports generated a revenue of $32.6 million, marking a 13% increase year-on-year. The CRF highlighted that Cambodian rice reached 42 countries, with the European Union emerging as the leading importer, purchasing 25,005 tonnes, which accounted for over half of the total exports.
Following the EU, ASEAN countries and China, including its autonomous regions, were significant importers, with purchases amounting to 11,999 tonnes and 5,171 tonnes, respectively. Other international destinations collectively imported 4,046 tonnes of Cambodian rice. The exports included a variety of rice such as fragrant, organic, white, parboiled, and japonica.
In addition to milled rice, Cambodia also exported 588,814 tonnes of paddy rice, valued at approximately $184 million. Prime Minister Hun Manet has put forth several strategies to sustain and expand this growth. These include strengthening existing markets, exploring new ones through free trade agreements, and enhancing product promotion.
He emphasized the importance of regular monitoring of water reservoirs and irrigation systems by provincial officials to support agricultural activities. The Prime Minister’s remarks came during the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries’ annual review meeting, where he addressed the challenges of drought and water shortages affecting both wet and dry-season rice production.
Furthermore, Hun Manet urged for increased private sector investment in aquaculture processing and initiatives to cut down on imports. The recent figures, showing a 3% increase in milled rice exports to 656,323 tonnes last year, underscore the resilience and growing potential of Cambodia’s rice industry in the global market.
Source: Khmer Times
