Drought hits agricultural production in Cambodia

People in rural areas in the Cambodian northwestern provinces of Pursat and Battambang have been suffering from water shortage for more than four months, reported the Cambodia’s Khmer Times.

The article said agriculture is a driving factor for Cambodia’s economy, but despite having land and natural water sources, irrigation system development is lacking.

In 2016, the Japan International Cooperation Agency granted concessional loans worth 60 million USD to rehabilitate and restore West Tonle Sap irrigation system.

The restoration project targets six areas in the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat and Battambang, where about 8,500 families and more than 13,000ha will benefit.

The project is currently 90 percent completed.

Deputy Director of the Battambang Agriculture Department In Sovanmony said some of the 360,000ha of land used to cultivate rice in the province are affected by drought.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a directive in November 2019 calling on farmers to limit production due to the lack of water./.

VNA