Joint interventions by three ministries have expanded to cover five communities by the end of 2025. They plan to include five additional potential communities in 2026, following the initial implementation of interventions in three communities, explained a joint press release.
A joint December 4 meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, and the Ministry of Rural Development was held to discuss the outcomes of the 5th thee-Sector Meeting on Agriculture–Water–Rural Development.
The meeting, presided over by the three ministers, aimed to review progress in coordinating priority policy programs and activities related to modern agricultural communities, farmer water-user communities and model villages.
Water resources minister Thor Chetha lauded the remarkable progress achieved by the three-sector mechanism in recent times.
“Starting joint interventions in three communities, expanding to five communities by the end of 2025, and preparing to include five more potential communities in the 2026 plan — as well as continuing to integrate priority communities into the long-term action plan — represents a significant step forward,” he said.
He added that the tri-sector mechanism has evolved from a conceptual initiative into a permanent structure to coordinate long-term development planning among the three sectors, aligned with the “One System Approach”, which aims to support improved livelihoods for rural farmers and development within local communities.
Chetha highlighted the importance of participation from two other key ministries: the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which provides financial support for development, and the Ministry of Tourism, which contributes to multisectoral development in rural communities.
Agriculture minister Dith Tina expressed his satisfaction with the notable achievements of the tri-sector work, emphasising the importance of using the budget resources of the three ministries to strengthen and promote achievements and to ensure that targets are clearly set at the local level to create shared accomplishments for effective agricultural services.
Rural development minister Chhay Rithisen expressed his gratitude for the efforts and cooperation among the three ministries in turning the initiative into tangible results. He valued their collective commitment to effectively implementing phase one of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy. He also reaffirmed his strong commitment to supporting and implementing tri-sector activities.
After reviewing progress reports and recommendations from the tri-sector working group, the three ministers jointly endorsed the significant progress and achievements since the 4th Three-Sector Meeting on May 29, and acknowledged the progress in preparing the Tri-Sector Development Strategy and the 2026–2030 implementation plan.
The Three-Year Rolling Action Plan (2026–2028), the 2026 Annual Plan and the budget analysis of each ministry to support the development project of the Or Rumduol Reservoir — part of a modern vegetable farming community using greenhouse techniques and designated as an agro-tourism area — were also approved.
The three ministers also agreed to request that the Ministry of Economy and Finance consider providing financial support for future implementation of the tri-sector mechanism’s action plans.
