The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cambodia has expressed its support for the expansion of robusta coffee bean cultivation in the country. A senior official at the ministry highlighted the significant increase in coffee consumption in Cambodia and emphasized the need to meet the growing demand. The ministry acknowledges the suitability of robusta coffee for the geographical conditions in Mondulkiri province, where the plant thrives in a plateau with cool weather and abundant rainfall.
While there are existing coffee plantations in Mondulkiri, they are unable to meet the current demand, resulting in the need for imports. Recognizing the potential profitability of coffee cultivation, the ministry is actively seeking farmers who are interested in expanding their operations and has pledged to provide them with the necessary support to improve their profits.
The ministry notes that there are currently only a few hundred hectares of coffee plantations in Mondulkiri, mostly of the robusta variety. However, some farmers have begun cultivating Arabica varieties as well. Ministry officials explain that robusta coffee is better suited for cultivation in Cambodia due to its ability to thrive in high-altitude regions with cold weather. With robusta varieties, farmers can expect high yields and enhanced profitability.
To further support coffee growers and improve the quality of their produce, KOFI Co. Ltd. collaborated with the Mondulkiri provincial agriculture department to distribute climate-resistant coffee seedlings to households in the province’s Pech Chreada and O’Raing districts, as well as Sen Monorom town. This collaboration is part of the “Sustainable Coffee Value Chain Development in Mondulkiri” project, supported by the Netherlands Development Organisation’s Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD). The project aims to target 300 households and contribute to the improvement of living standards, particularly for ethnic minority groups in the province.
The distributed seedlings have been carefully selected by experts from the provincial agriculture department and the Western Highlands Agriculture & Forestry Science Institute (WASI), ensuring their climate-resistant qualities and potential for high yield. The next phase of the project will involve training sessions conducted by KOFI and the agriculture department to educate farmers on modern growing and harvesting techniques. This effort will further enhance the quality of locally produced coffee beans and enable farmers to meet market demand effectively.
The ministry’s support for the expansion of robusta coffee cultivation in Cambodia is a positive step towards creating sustainable coffee value chains, improving the livelihoods of farmers, and elevating the country’s coffee industry. With increased cultivation and enhanced farming techniques, Cambodia is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for coffee while maintaining the value of its locally produced beans.
