Seeds of Change: How Farmers in Tean Kam Built Resilient Livelihoods

In the quiet village of Tean Kam Thbong in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, a small group of farmers is rewriting their future. Together, they form the Rumduol Tean Kam Agricultural Cooperative (AC), a close-knit community of 97 members (38 women). What began as a small initiative in 2009 has grown into a movement of hope and resilience, supported by the Promoting Climate-resilient Livelihoods in Rice-based Communities in the Tonle Sap Region (PCRL) project and its partners. 

This is not just a story about farming; it’s a story about people—farmers like Chhoeun Chhuy and Tim Dith—whose lives have been transformed through collective effort, knowledge, and the right support. 

A New Chapter for Farmers in Tean Kam 

“I remember when we didn’t know much about certified rice seed production,” recalls Chhoeun Chhuy, a 45-year-old farmer with a determined smile. “The support we’ve received from PCRL has changed everything for us.” Chhuy, like many in her community, used to rely on traditional farming methods. In June 2024, she received 200 kilograms of registered Sen Kra-Ob (SKO 01) rice seeds from the PCRL project. With this boost, she achieved a remarkable yield of 4.5 tons per hectare. 

“What’s even better,” she adds, “is that I’ve learned how to use pesticides and fertilizers more effectively. My costs are lower, and my income has improved. Now, I’m planning to buy a tractor and even start selling agro-inputs to other farmers.” 

For her, the real change is not just in her fields but in the sense of community. “We hold meetings, share ideas, and solve problems together. It’s not just farming; it’s about growing as a community.” 

The Role of PCRL in Cambodia’s Rice-Based Communities 

The Promoting Climate-resilient Livelihoods in Rice-based Communities in the Tonle Sap Region project (PCRL) operates in five provinces within the Tonle Sap region: Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Siem Reap, Pursat, and Kampong Thom. With a focus on sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices, the project supports communities in producing and marketing certified rice seeds of premium fragrant rice varieties—Phka Rumduol (PKD) and  Sen Kra-Ob (SKO 01). 

In 2024 alone, PCRL distributed over 18,700 kilograms of registered rice seeds to 184 producers (78 women) from 19 Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs), including the Rumduol Tean Kam Agricultural Cooperative and 3 Producer Groups (PGs). This resulted in the production of over 519 tons of rice seeds, of which 463 tons are certified rice seeds. 408 tons of certified rice seeds were sold to paddy rice producers and 57 tons were sold to rice millers as wet paddy, generating a net revenue of about USD 125,000 for farmers. The produced certified seeds can be used for about 3 000 ha in the next planting season. By ensuring access to high-quality seeds and technical training, PCRL will closely cooperate with the in-charge Department of Crop Seed (DCS) for monitoring the Quality Declared Seed (QDS) quality and addressing critical challenges, such as varietal purity, germination rates, and market access​.  

Knowledge is Power: Training and Demonstrations 

Farmers like Tim Dith, 45, also attribute their success to the training sessions and demonstrations supported by PCRL. “Before, we didn’t know where to find quality rice seeds or how to maximise production,” he says. But attending a field day organised by PCRL on November 18, 2024, changed his perspective. 

“Through this event, I learned about climate-adaptive techniques and saw firsthand how to achieve better yields. With 80 kilograms of registered PKD seed and ongoing coaching, I harvested 4 tons of rice seed last year. I sold 3.3 tons for USD 2,000. With a production cost of about USD 350, I earned a net income of USD 1650, which is a huge step forward for my family.” 

Encouraged by his success, Mr. Dith now plans to expand his production by renting more land and purchasing a large tractor. “It’s not just about income,” he says. “It’s about doing better for my children and my community.” 

A Future of Growth and Sustainability 

The cooperative has ambitious plans for the future. By 2027, they aim to expand rice seed production from 28 to 40 hectares, double their annual supply of paddy rice to 5,000 tons, and adopt innovative practices like cover cropping to improve soil health. These efforts are closely aligned with the PCRL project’s long-term goals of strengthening rice-based livelihoods through sustainable practices and climate resilience. 

About the PCRL Project 

The Promoting Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Rice-Based Communities in the Tonle Sap Region project (PCRL) is a transformative five-year initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with the General Directorate of Agriculture (GDA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the General Directorate of Local Communities (GDLC) under the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

For more details about PCRL, please visit: https://www.pcrl.org/en