Cambodia’s cassava and tapioca starch exports experienced a remarkable growth of almost 30% during the first quarter of 2023, reaching a staggering $285 million, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. This surge in exports reflects the country’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural sector and promoting economic development.
Between January and March, Cambodia exported 155,210 tonnes of fresh cassava, with the lion’s share of 131,710 tonnes heading to Vietnam and 23,500 tonnes to Thailand. In the same period, over 14,701 tonnes of tapioca starch were exported, primarily to China, which received 14,642 tonnes, while Japan, Italy, and India imported 25, 17, and 17 tonnes respectively.
Cassava pulp exports also flourished, totaling 38,252 tonnes. Vietnam was the largest importer, receiving 30,500 tonnes, followed by Thailand with 7,100 tonnes, and China with 652 tonnes.
Heng Sith, a statistics officer at the Battambang Provincial Agriculture Department, explained on April 27 that the majority of exported cassava had been harvested in the previous year. He emphasized the importance of preserving “cassava seeds” – the stem cuttings and tuberous roots used for propagation – for the next year’s planting, as cassava typically takes 10 months to a year to mature.
He also mentioned that only a small percentage of the total cassava area in Battambang province was harvested at the beginning of this year. Farmers primarily sell the cassava seeds, which have a current market price of 600 to 700 riel per kilogram.
Heng Sophoan, a silo owner in Battambang province, shared her concerns about the scarcity of cassava in the region, leading to her silo ceasing cassava chip purchases for almost two months. She also pointed out soil issues affecting the quality of cassava shipped from other provinces, like Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey.
Sophoan observed that some farmers switched to corn cultivation, resulting in decreased cassava purchases and exports. The presence of excessive sand in cassava chips from other provinces made it challenging to export to Thailand, prompting her decision to halt purchases.
Cambodia’s national policy on cassava for 2020-2025 was developed with inter-ministerial cooperation and support from development partners, receiving government approval on August 14, 2020. The policy seeks to establish Cambodia as a reliable producer and supplier of cassava products in the global market.
Three main goals underpin this policy: transitioning from traditional, family farm-based production to commercial cassava production; supporting potential cassava processors and attracting investment to the sector for high-value cassava products; and increasing trade competitiveness by penetrating and capturing market share through connections with other export industries.
As Cambodia’s cassava exports continue to flourish, the implementation of this national policy will pave the way for a more prosperous agricultural sector and a stronger economy for the nation.
Source: The Phnompenh Post
