Indigenous people in Cambodia play vital role in organic rice production development

Indigenous people in Cambodia play vital role in organic rice production development

Indigenous people play a very vital role in the development of safe (organic) agricultural products and sustainable, according to Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF).

On the celebration of the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples within the topic of “No one left behind” held on Aug. 9, CRF’s President Song Saran shared the experience of the involvement from rice sector in terms of private perspective on the integration of the indigenous people in Cambodia, specifically by having the participation of indigenous people in the inclusive business model on agriculture.

The indigenous people’s participation in the development of organic agricultural products is part of building the image of Cambodia at the international market, in which most of Cambodian organic rice has been exported to EU markets, he said.

In 2020, the Cambodian organic rice exports to EU markets reached 9,500 tonnes, making the Kingdom the 4th biggest rice importers for the EU.

In addition, CRF’s president shared his views on promoting the movement to support and integrate indigenous people in sustainable and equitable development in accordance with the policies of the Royal Government and technical support from national and international organisations.

“One of the most important things in creating an inclusive business environment for indigenous peoples is the internal factors, mainly the readiness to participate and improve the capacity of indigenous people themselves,” he said.

The Kingdom shipped nearly 310,000 tonnes of milled rice in the first seven months of this year, generating nearly $262 million income.

China remained the biggest market of the 49 countries currently importing Cambodian rice, buying nearly 154,000 tonnes. Other main markets included 21 European nations and five Southeast Asian countries. Khmer Times / AKP