March 16, 2020

Asian Development Bank increases Cambodia agriculture aid

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will continue to support Cambodia's Agricultural Development Plan (ADP) 2012-2023 to modernise its agriculture industry and boost output to meet increased domestic demand, reported The Phnom Penh Post.

Zhang Jiangfeng, ADB's Environment Natural Resources and Agriculture Division director  met withVeng Sakhon, Cambodia's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to affirm ADB's pledge.

Cambodia's ADP 2012-2023 aims to enhance the country's aquaculture and husbandry industries, as well as modernise and diversify the agriculture sector. The ADP also aims to boost quality standards.

Zhang said ADP is assisting Cambodia in its animal production and animal health programmes. By 2021, a new programme will be introduced to halt disease transmission between animals to humans and vice versa. Moreover, loans will be available for communities and small and medium enterprises to fulfil production ambitions and boos the value chain.

Sakhon said with ADB's support, Cambodia's agriculture industry will improve through financial and technical help, construction of infrastructure and domestic workforce training.

Thong Chantheang, Cambodian Centre for Study and Development in Agriculture (Cedac) executive director said ADB is assisting with the construction of important infrastructure and facilities for storage, in addition to exploring new markets for domestic agriculture products.

US$1.45 billion has been granted by ADB to Cambodia in the form of grants, loans and technical assistance.

-      The Phnom Penh Post