Cambodia has debuted its first automated climate-based agricultural advisory system, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital agriculture and climate resilience efforts.
The system was launched by The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology today, January 30.
The new system, known as the Cambodia Agrometeorological Service (CAS), is a web- and mobile-based platform that transforms the meteorology ministry’s forecast data into crop-specific agricultural advisories for farmers, according to a press release.
It is being rolled out in the Northern Tonle Sap Basin, where the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded PEARL Project, with support from FAO, is helping strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods and improve farmers’ access to timely, actionable information.
“CAS provides timely weather forecasts and tailored recommendations for key crops — including mango, cashew, organic rice and leafy vegetables — helping farmers adapt their farming practices to climate variability and reduce climate-related risks. The service is currently available to farmers in Oddar Meanchey, Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces via website, mobile application, and messaging platforms,” said the release.
Agriculture ministry secretary of state Meas Pyseth is national project Director of the PEARL Project. He explained that the CAS will bring messages to the people so they can adopt the service and benefit from it.
“Strong cooperation and data sharing among stakeholders are essential, as agrometeorological advisory services help smallholder farmers reduce climate-related risks and achieve real impact,” he added.
Rebekah Bell, FAO representative in Cambodia, noted that modern agriculture focuses on value, not just yield, while reducing production costs benefits both farmers and the environment.
“CAS enables informed, cost-efficient decisions by delivering science-based advisories that encourage behavioural change and real monetary benefits. As part of Cambodia’s digital agriculture transformation, CAS supports more sustainable, profitable and climate-resilient smallholder farming,” she added.
“CAS is a valuable tool for improving agricultural outcomes by providing weather forecasts, seasonal updates, and early warnings through multiple channels,” said Oeurng Chantha, undersecretary of state at the meteorology ministry.
“The system must be efficient, easy to use and scalable — using videos, mobile apps and voice messages — while collecting farmer feedback to ensure it meets their real needs,” he added.
The Cambodia Agrometeorological Service can be accessed at https://cas.appchamka.com/
