Japan pledges nearly $900,000 to improve Cambodia’s agriculture

Japan pledges nearly $900,000 to improve Cambodia’s agriculture

The Japanese government has donated a total of $890,471 for the development of irrigation systems, maternal and child healthcare and youth capacity building in the Kingdom.

The grant contract was signed this week between Japanese ambassador Masahiro Mikami and the representatives of the said sectors.

A budget of $85,019 will be allocated for the first project, said Mr Mikami, which will focus on the development of irrigation systems aimed at enhancing agriculture in the Preah Vihear eco-village.

The money will be given to the Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs)Pride of Asia Preah Vihear Association Japan to support the construction of reservoirs and water facilities in the province’s eco-village. The association’s representative Noritada Morita said farmers in the area will benefit from the project because it will increase agricultural production (especially in the dry season), enhance agricultural technology and improve facility management for sustainable regional development.

“Most of the villagers in Preah Vihear province migrated from other areas, so they should be educated regarding agricultural technology in order to lift them out of poverty,” said Morita.

The second project will receive funds of $452,427 to improve access to integrated healthcare, safe water and sanitation and nutrition services in Preah Vihear.

Spearheaded by World Vision Japan, the project will focus on providing healthcare education and training workshops for health workers and local communities in order to promote good maternal and child health in the province.

World Vision Japan representative Takuya Matsuoka said the initiative will instil healthy eating habits and grant access to clean water for the residents and will be implemented in Chey Saen, Chhaeb, Tbaeng Meanchey and Kuleaen districts.

The third project will concentrate on youth development in Pailin province. An amount of $353,025 will be donated to NGO Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi (Children without Borders) to support youths and equip them with life and employability skills for their future. “Japan hopes these projects will help Cambodia’s reconstruction and development efforts at the grassroots level, mainly in the fields of primary education, health, agriculture and mine clearance via Japanese NGOs,” added Mikami.

Source: Khmer Times