In recent years, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has repeatedly issued directives advising farmers against dry-season rice farming, adjusting its recommendations based on the water availability in different regions. Depending on local conditions, the ministry has, at times, restricted rice cultivation in certain areas to prevent water shortages and financial losses for farmers. “The announcement advising against dry-season rice farming is to prevent farmers from financial losses. The ministry issues this guidance in advance, particularly for those in areas far from water sources. However, this is not intended to restrict farmers’ rights,” explained water resources minister Thor Chetha.…
Author: Raksmey Hong
Cambodia’s entrepreneurial landscape is set to undergo a major transformation with the introduction of the Cambodia Enterprise Innovation Index (CEII). Unveiled at a workshop held at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh on March 3, this groundbreaking initiative by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation marks a pivotal step towards strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem. Cambodian index will play a pivotal role in national strategies. It serves as a methodologically robust and contextually appropriate instrument for evaluating the innovation capabilities of enterprises. By concentrating on both innovation inputs and outputs, the CEII provides essential insights that will inform policymaking,…
Currently, Cambodia has only one large weather forecasting radar system in use, in Phnom Penh, within the grounds of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology headquarters. This system forecasts weather, water levels and other meteorological phenomena, supported by more than 380 small meteorological stations — both automated and non-automated — across the country. The ability to forecast rainfall and weather has improved in recent years, earning the ministry the trust of the public, particularly among farmers who rely on accurate predictions. “We have a large radar system (Techo Sen) in Phnom Penh and meteorological stations in the provinces,” said…
Despite Cambodia’s seemingly bountiful water resources, including the Tonle Sap Lake and major river systems, agricultural crops continue to face significant shortages due to inadequate irrigation infrastructure and rising demand. Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology Thor Chetha highlighted a troubling gap: the Kingdom’s irrigation systems can only cover half of its agricultural land. “Of the approximately 4 million hectares of agricultural land, our irrigation system can only serve about 2 million hectares,” Chetha said, as he addressed a March 1 press conference on “Water Resources Management and the Status of Cambodia’s Irrigation System” at the ministry headquarters. The ministry…
The final day of the 4th Phnom Penh Plant and Garden Fair marked a triumphant conclusion to the three-day event, held at the Connexion Green Center on Koh Pich. Organised by the Phnom Penh Houseplant Festival, the exhibition captivated plant enthusiasts, gardeners and nature lovers from across Cambodia. With over 200 rare plant species on display, the event has sparked conversations about the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation in the region. Among the star attractions is the Botanical Garden Zhuidas, a rare species native to Panama. This plant has been cultivated at the Vrije University Botanical Research Garden in Amsterdam,…
The Siem Reap River, an artificial waterway flowing through the heart of Siem Reap town, is set for redevelopment into a recreational area aimed at attracting both domestic and international tourists. Ung Kim Leang, deputy provincial governor, announced that in 2025, the provincial administration will undertake a major restoration of the river. The redevelopment, funded through a loan from the South Korean government, is expected to mitigate flooding while enhancing the river’s appeal as a tourist destination. The provincial administration has plans to renovate the river and transform it into a major tourist attraction. Hong Raksmey “Currently, Siem Reap International…
The EU continues to play a significant role in supporting disaster preparedness in Cambodia, as well as the wider ASEAN region. The EU provides funding and expertise to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). “Preparing for natural disasters we hope won’t happen! The two-yearly ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise will take place in Cambodia this year, supported by the EU,” announced EU Ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans, via a February 27 social media post. In line with these efforts, the Kingdom will host the ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX)…
Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued a stern warning about the growing health risks posed by children’s consumption of sugary drinks, highlighting the long-term impact these beverages could have on the nation’s health. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on February 26, the prime minister emphasised the dangers of energy drinks, which he explained are not intended for children but have become increasingly popular among them. “Energy drinks are not meant for children, yet they consume them frequently,” he cautioned. “This is a serious concern and a long-term issue.…
The Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC) and the EU-funded CAPFISH-Capture project have marked a major milestone in their efforts to support local fish processing enterprises. On February 21, the two organisations signed support agreements for the first group of 11 enterprises, which have already benefitted from approximately $320,000 in grant funding under the Investment Support Facility (ISF). This financial support is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cambodia’s post-harvest fisheries sector by providing vital resources for business growth, food safety compliance and market expansion. The ISF combines grant funding, loans…
Since 2005, Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), the local arm of the French NGO Passerelles Numériques, has been on a mission to provide underprivileged Cambodian youths with high-quality, holistic, and innovative free-of-charge academic training in Information Technology (IT). The initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed to ensure their employability, helping them break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the country’s growing IT sector. On February 22, PNC celebrated the achievements of its students with a graduation ceremony that marked the success of three generations of graduates. The event, brought together around 600 attendees, including 216 alumni, their…