From farms to exports: Cambodia’s mango sector on the rise

Cambodia’s agriculture is entering a new phase of growth. While rice is the country’s leading export, worth approximately USD 1 billion annually, the government is focusing on diversifying its agrifood systems. Mango has emerged as a strategic crop for this transformation. In just a few years, mango cultivation increased from a modest 5 000 hectares in 2016 to about 138 000 hectares in 2020, producing around 1.5 million tonnes of mangoes.  

The Keo Romeat variety dominates production, accounting for more than 80 percent of the national supply, with Kampong Speu province leading cultivation. With an average yield of 15 tonnes per hectare, Cambodia’s mangoes are already competitive across Southeast Asia and hold significant potential for international markets. 

FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative is helping Cambodia realize this potential by strengthening the mango value chain - from seeds to sales - in a sustainable way that enhances production, supports rural livelihoods, and opens new market opportunities. For Cambodia, choosing mango as its priority product under OCOP highlights both the fruit's economic promise and its cultural importance.

Opportunities and challenges 

Cambodia enjoys favourable conditions for growing mangoes almost year-round, thanks to its dual-season harvest. The main season between February and June generates high export volumes, though oversupply in May and June often drives down prices. The off-season harvest from June to February commands higher prices but comes with greater production costs and lower yields. These dynamic offers opportunities but also pose risks to farmers’ income stability. 

Despite growing exports to markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, and China, the sector faces persistent obstacles. Transportation costs are rising, processing facilities are limited, and many farmers lack access to cold storage and modern post-harvest systems. Quality assurance is another bottleneck, as mango samples still need to be tested in neighbouring countries. Farmers also struggle with pests and diseases like mealybugs and fruit flies, while misuse of pesticides risks undermining compliance with export standards. Without strong quality assurance and processing infrastructure, a large share of the national harvest faces losses or is sold through informal channels at reduced value. 

Driving transformation through collaboration 

To tackle these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, with support from FAO, convened a National Workshop on Mango Value Chain Development in Phnom Penh in August 2025. The event brought together 93 participants from government agencies, farmer organizations, traders, processors, and development partners to chart a collective way forward.  

The workshop, led by H.E. Ngin Chhay, Director General of the General Directorate of Agriculture, and Ms. Rebekah Bell, FAO Representative in Cambodia, aimed to share information about the OCOP initiative and assess the current state of the mango value chain. Mr. Hafiz Muminjanov, Global Coordinator, OCOP Secretariat, provided the updates on the implementation of the OCOP worldwide. Discussions generated valuable insights to guide future strategies.  

To boost the mango sector, stakeholders worked out recommendations and defined priorities. These include enhancing genetic diversity by introducing new mango varieties that are resistant to pests and climate change while being adaptable for diverse uses. To raise product quality and strengthen access to international markets, they urged the adoption of certification systems such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Geographical Indication (GI). They further emphasized the need for greater investment in infrastructure, calling for national initiatives and international support to expand processing facilities and increasing value addition through processed mango products. In addition, continuous, practical training for farmers and other value chain actors was highlighted as essential to build the technical capacity required for a resilient and competitive industry. 

National workshop on mango value chain development in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (left) ©FAO; A mango orchard in Cambodia (right). ©FAO/Hafiz Muminjanov

A vision for sustainable growth and market expansion 

Cambodia’s vision for its mango sector extends beyond expanding production. The goal is to build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable value chain that brings reliable income to farmers, strengthens local value addition and contributes to national economic growth.  

Under the OCOP framework and supported by the South-South Cooperation programme, Cambodia is working closely with experts from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences to exchange knowledge and technical know-how. A planned study visit to China will allow Cambodian stakeholders to observe successful practices in production and processing, helping shape a national mango strategy. At the same time, a FAO project, funded by the Green Climate Fund, is strengthening climate resilience by providing agro-weather forecasts, farmer training, and value chain planning across several provinces. Together, these initiatives help farmers adapt to climate risks while sustaining productivity and quality. 
Momentum is set to build further with the Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition 2025 (CAFE25) in November, which will showcase progress, attract investment, and foster new partnerships. Through shared efforts involving government agencies, international partners, private sector players, and farming communities, Cambodia's mango industry is set to become a model for agricultural change in Southeast Asia. 

The success of this initiative will rely on ongoing collaboration, strategic investment, and a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. As Cambodia advances with its OCOP implementation, the mango value chain underscores Cambodia’s agricultural potential and its commitment to lasting improvements for rural communities. 

Sorting and quality control facility (left), ©FAO; and processed mango products on display (right). ©FAO/Hafiz Muminjanov