The vibrant, leafy vegetables and juicy fruits grown with organic fertilisers are all the rage in local markets. Farmers cultivating these products are in high demand, especially in Phnom Penh.
One market owner, in particular, has ambitious plans to buy a staggering 500 tonnes of these agricultural delights every day.
Meet Phan Sopheak, owner of the soon-to-be-launched Phsar Deum Kor Thmey in Phnom Penh’s Choam Chao 1 commune. He has big plans for September.
“Starting next month, I’ll buy 500 tonnes of fresh produce daily from our local Cambodian farmers,” he shared.
Though his market is still under construction, the name – Phsar Doeum Kor Thmey – has been chosen with care. It’s not about relocating from the old market but ensuring folks instantly associate the name with a bustling new vegetable marketplace.
Sopheak explained that he registered his new venture under the name Phsar Doeum Kor Thmey to distinguish it from the existing Phsar Doeum Kor.
The driving force behind this endeavour is his desire to help farmers find a steady marketplace and collaborate with Phnom Penh City Hall to reduce street vending.
“Our aim isn’t to dislike street vendors. However, street vending can complicate things for the authorities and even tarnish the image of our society,” he emphasised.
His broader vision for the market goes beyond aesthetics.
“We hope to reduce agricultural imports, keep money local, and even contribute to poverty reduction,” he said.
But it’s a mammoth task, and he acknowledged that many of these plans are still in the early stages.
People are already eager to be a part of Sopheak’s venture. He’s been fielding calls from individuals keen on purchasing fresh produce, even though his market isn’t ready. And while he’s excited about buying direct from farmers, striking the right balance with brokers is crucial.
“Brokers shouldn’t profit excessively at the farmer’s expense,” he stated.
This vision has led him to establish a dedicated depot for purchasing and properly packaging agricultural products, in turn, creating local employment opportunities.
Sopheak’s commitment to freshness is evident. After packing, the produce needs special care.
“We use mobile cold storage facilities for transporting items like leafy vegetables,” he said.
His new market will also boast a substantial frozen warehouse measuring 12 meters in width and 60 meters in length. This storage will ensure that the agricultural products he purchases remain fresh for resale, benefiting traders in his market and extending the reach to other provinces.
Sopheak has his eyes set on the horizon. Alongside contributing to Phnom Penh City Hall’s initiatives, he envisages setting up five supermarkets dotted around Phnom Penh.
“By encouraging businesses from the provinces to stop at the capital’s ring road, we can have insiders transport the produce. This approach could lead to fewer traffic accidents,” he explained.
And for those a little further afield he stated that an online marketplace is in the works.
“Customers won’t need to visit us. They can simply order, and we’ll deliver their fresh produce straight to their doors,” he added.
Pricing, however, remains a challenge. The market is still in its infancy, and with a whopping 70 to 80 per cent of agricultural products being imported, determining a local market price can be complex.
“I haven’t fixed the vegetable prices yet. But as we grow and establish ourselves, we’ll set a standard market rate,” Sopheak said.
The news of Sopheak’s plans has sparked interest within the local agricultural community, as well.
Phon Thai Leang, marketing manager of Sa’ang Phnom Rik Chamroeun Agricultural Community based in Kandal province, was keen to share his thoughts. With 229 growers under its umbrella, the community is a substantial contributor to the region’s agricultural scene.
“Though we have a consistent buyer, their purchasing patterns are sporadic. Sometimes, we have an abundance of produce that exceeds their limits, and we’re left wondering where to offload our harvest,” he mentioned.
Currently, the partner company purchases vegetables from his community three days a week, with orders ranging from 500kg to 700kg. This system isn’t always consistent with the farmers’ yield. Some months they have a surplus, and other times they fall short.
“A more stable market with consistent demand would be a boon. Our farmers rely on this livelihood, and a steady marketplace would motivate them to cultivate more,” Phon said.
