Synopsis: The agricultural sector has transitioned from struggling with food insecurity to ensuring domestic food security, and now even exports millions of tonnes each year, bolstering global food supplies.

Exports of the key agriculture sector experienced a remarkable surge in the first half (H1) of 2025, a report from the Ministry of Commerce showed on yesterday.

The main products Cambodia exported included rice, bananas, mangoes, cassava, cashew nuts, corn, pepper and tobacco.

From January to June of this year, the country earned $542 million from paddy rice export and $289 million from milled rice exports, a year-on-year increase of 19 percent and 12 percent, respectively, the official report stated.

The Kingdom also earned $753 million from cashew nut export, a year-on-year increase of 56 percent, and $89 million from fresh banana exports, up 26 percent.

However, the exports of cassava amounted to $445 million and $209 million from rubber, a year-on-year decrease of 10 percent and 8 percent, respectively.

Fresh mango exports saw a decrease of 0.2 percent to $98 million, read the report.

The report showed that other agricultural products, including corn, pepper, and longan earned a combined income of $59 million.

Prime Minister Hun Manet called on all citizens in June to support locally made products and work diligently in cultivating and processing goods for both personal use and broader consumption.

In a strategic move to bolster economic diversification and enhance national production, Mr Hun Manet has unveiled the government’s ambitious vision for agro-industrial development, with a particular focus on the western provinces.

The initiative aims to cultivate innovation, significantly increase value-added production within the agricultural sector, and ultimately broaden Cambodia’s economic base beyond traditional industries, he said.

Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, highlighted the remarkable advancements in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, emphasising its unique resilience and vital contribution to the nation’s socio-economic growth.

“The sector has transitioned from struggling with food insecurity to ensuring domestic food security, and now even exports millions of tonnes each year, bolstering global food supplies,” he said.

Agriculture is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia’s economy.

The government has announced the implementation of a new strategic policy, aiming to upgrade agriculture from household to commercial farming and enhance farmers’ income through value-added products.

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By: Chea Vanyuth

Publication date: 25 July 2025

Source: Khmer Times