FAO Forecasts Strong Outlook for Cambodia’s Rice and Maize Harvests in 2025–2026
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Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s rice and maize production is set for a promising year, with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projecting significant gains for the 2025–2026 season. Aggregate rice production is forecast to reach 13.9 million tonnes, around 10 percent above the five-year average, while maize output could exceed 1.4 million tonnes, driven by strong demand from the domestic feed industry.
Rice Crop Outlook
The main wet season paddy crop, which contributes about 70 percent of Cambodia’s annual rice output, is expected to be fully planted by the end of August. As of early August, approximately 2.7 million hectares had been cultivated, nearly matching record levels seen last year. Timely rainfall since May has benefited rice fields across the southern and central provinces, aiding crop establishment and early growth.
However, FAO noted challenges in northern provinces where rainfall shortages in July and August constrained planting. Satellite data indicated poor crop conditions in Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, and Siem Reap, regions that collectively contribute 15–20 percent of the main season harvest. Despite this, the national production forecast remains strong, with secondary dry season planting, which accounts for 30 percent of output, scheduled to begin in November.
Maize Production Trends
Maize planting for the 2025–2026 wet season is also nearing completion, with official estimates showing an area expansion beyond 2024 levels. The increase reflects growing demand from Cambodia’s animal feed sector. Yet, localized dry spells in Battambang – which produces nearly two-thirds of the country’s maize – may lower yields of early planted crops. Even so, FAO expects total maize production to remain above average at 1.4 million tonnes.
Provincial Insights
Heng Sith, an official from the Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, confirmed shifts in land use patterns. “The area planted with rice and cassava this season has increased compared to last year, while the red corn area has slightly decreased,” he told.
He attributed the decrease in red corn to shared land use between cassava and maize. “Some years, farmers use more land for cassava, and in other years, they plant more red corn,” he explained. Despite these changes, he noted that weather conditions in Battambang have generally favored agriculture this year.
“Based on our observations, rice and cassava yields and quality for 2025–2026 in Battambang will likely surpass those of last year. However, red corn yields may decline slightly due to reduced cultivated area,” Heng Sith said.
A Positive Outlook
Overall, FAO’s projections underscore Cambodia’s resilience in rice and maize production, despite localized weather challenges. With steady rainfall in key growing regions and strong demand supporting maize expansion, the 2025–2026 season is poised to deliver robust results for the Kingdom’s agriculture sector.
Also read, Cambodia Launches 2025–2030 Rice Export Diversification Strategy
