June 14, 2024

Cambodia sees increase in red corn production for 2024

Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) said that the country's red corn production in 2024 has risen to nearly 1.7 million tonnes, compared to 1.5 million tonnes last year, Khmer Times reported.

According to MAFF, approximately 277,000 hectares were dedicated to red corn cultivation in 2023, yielding over 1.5 million tonnes, with more than 71,000 tonnes exported. In 2024, the cultivation area increased to over 280,000 hectares, resulting in a yield of nearly 1.7 million tonnes, though only 310 tonnes were exported.

Yang Saing Koma, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, stated that red corn is primarily grown for animal feed, and domestic demand for animal feed appears to be rising.

Provinces leading in red corn production include Battambang, Pailin, Thbong Khmum, Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Cham, Kratie, Preah Vihear, and Kandal.

Despite the overall increase in production, red corn cultivation in Battambang is slowing down this year. Heng Sith, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Battambang, noted that hot weather has made planting difficult.

"This year, farmers in Battambang province have just started planting about 30-40 percent of the land area due to the hot weather and lack of water. But currently, they have started to grow," he said.

Sith added that if farmers had planted in March or April, they could have harvested in June or July. However, planting only started earlier last month on about 30,000 to 40,000 hectares.

-      Khmer Times