Phnom Penh – Under the FAO European Union Food Facility Project, the Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) HE Chan Sarun, yesterday distributed quality rice seed and fertilizer to 1 395 poor farm households in Chikreang Commune, Siem Reap province.

Across Cambodia, rice seed and fertilizer are distributed to poorer rural families in 50 communes and 280 villages in nine provinces, in order to assist these families increase their rice production and improve the family’s nutrition.

"I would like express my profound thanks to the European Union for funding the project and to FAO who are implementing and among other activities distributing rice seed and fertilizer to poor farmers. The timing is right and these are great investments for the farmers in this season and in the future farming seasons," said HE Chan Sarun.

The distribution plan targets the provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Siem Reap, Svay Rieng and Takeo.

"The farmers will receive enough high quality seed and fertilizer so when crops are cared for in a proper way the expectation is families will produce high yielding rice crops, have rice for the entire year and can generate a surplus for sale in the market," said Ajay Markanday, the FAO Resident Representative to Cambodia during the distribution event.

While peoduction inputs such as rice seed and fertilizers are major component, the project is also supporting other activities in the same areas, e.g. reducing rice post-harvest losses, aquaculture development, irrigation and improved family nutrition.

Together the various components form an integrated approach towards dealing with food secuirty challenges faced by vulnerable farming families affected by volatile food prices, food insecurity and poor nutrition.

"In close cooperation with the General Directorate of Agriculture, the FAO EU Food Facility project will provide modern technical training in rice and vegetable production, equipment and training in rice postharvest and aquaculture activities, small scale irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation and development and group activities in aquaculture and nutrition," Mr Markanday added.

The FAO EU Food Facility project was developed as part of a massive response by the European Union to the food security crisis created by rising food prices worldwide. This response is designed to ensure a quick although lasting impact on the food security situation in Cambodia.

The FAO EU Food Facility Project reflects the successful partnership between the EU, FAO and the MAFF.

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Press release issued by the Office of the FAO Representation in Cambodia. For further information, please contact Roatana Pao, Communications Officer, FAO EU Food Facility Project, telephone +855 (0)12 318 118, email [email protected]

More information at:
http://www.fao.org/europeanunion