Inclusive growth for the Cambodian rice sector

• Region: Cambodia
• Sector: Commodities (Rice)
• Duration: 2019-2022
• 6 Project partners
• Public-private partnership co-financed by the Dutch government

RiceTechCambodia

RiceTechCambodia aims to add value to the organic rice value chain in Cambodia. The project has the ambition to reach 2,400 small-scale rice farmers in Mondulkiri province, providing them with extensive training on good agricultural practices. Farmers will gain access to drying, storage, and milling facilities, which improve rice quality and increase their income through higher prices. Additionally, the project will certify over 1,300 farmers in organic practices, granting them access to premium prices and international sales markets for their specialty rice. This initiative ultimately contributes to improved livelihoods for farmers and a stronger Cambodian business climate.

Key objectives

• • • Train 2,400 small-scale rice farmers in organic practices.
    • Increase rice quality and yield for participating farmers.
    • Provide access to drying, storage, and milling facilities.
    • Achieve organic certification for 1,300+ farmers (increased price premium).
    • Offer access to international sales markets for specialty rice.
    • Contribute to improved livelihoods for farmers and the Cambodian business climate. 

Inclusive growth for the Cambodian rice sector

The project implements a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive rice value chain, connecting economic actors with rural communities. It addresses the lack of incentive for smallholder farmers to professionalize their rice production by introducing organic practices, contract farming, and access to nearby processing facilities. This approach not only increases knowledge and yield but also improves farmer income through premium prices for organically certified rice.

The project delivers various resources including high-quality foundation seeds, agricultural tools and tractors, know-how transfer, track & trace implementation, organic certification, drying/milling/storage facilities, quality control & assurance, and a pilot project for circular rice-fish farming. These activities directly improved the livelihoods of local farmers and indirectly strengthened the Cambodian business climate through sustainable economic growth.

Partners

• Sanorice – A European producer of puffed rice, corn and other cereal cakes, located in the Netherlands
• AMRU Rice – A company active in processing and fair trade of organic rice, located in Cambodia
• Oxfam in Cambodia – is an international non-governmental organisation part of the Oxfam confederation  of 20 affiliates operating together in 94 countries
• Development and Partnership in Action – is a Cambodian non-governmental organisation, localised from an international NGO called CIDSE
• Provincial Department of Agriculture of Mondulkiri – is a governmental department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery located in Mondulkii.

• Larive International – the Netherlands-based international business development firm, active in the field of providing market entry strategies for high-growth markets. (project coordinator). Project period 2019-2022.

In the media

• Khmer Times: Netherlands-funded programme to bolster organic rice farming
• Phnom Pehn Post: RiceTechCambodia to aid small-scale farmers

For more information, please contact Davinia Lamme.