The persistent challenges deriving from climate change and degrading natural resources leads to a question: how is food produced sustainably to meet the demand of a growing population?

Different stakeholders in the agri-food sector have been looking into how agricultural innovations can secure sustainable growth in Cambodia’s agriculture and food systems.

Ho Puthea, Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA), explained that, about 1.9 million households in Cambodia are engaging in agriculture production to feed approximately 15.8 million people. Therefore farmers, fishers and forest workers are critically important for the food security of all Cambodians.

He noted that in 2012, one agri-food sector worker had to feed 2.8 people, but by 2030, one agri-food system worker will have to feed up to 4.5 people. To meet this challenge significant labor-saving innovation is required in agri-food systems.

According to a joint press release of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) issued yesterday, to enhance the identification and development of new agricultural innovations, on Feb. 15, 2022, the GDA, the MAFF’s Department of Extension of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DEAFF), and the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), with support from the FAO, are jointly organizing an agricultural market fair and innovation fair under the topic. “Innovation for sustainable agri-food systems and climate resilient agriculture.”

For original article, please read here

Author: AKP

Source: Khmer Times

Publication date: 18 February 2022