Cambodian milled rice exports increased by more than 100 per cent during the first five months in 2013 compared with the same period the year before, according to data from  the Council of the Development of Cambodia.

The figures showed that milled rice exports reached 146,854 tonnes at the end of May, an increase of 127 per cent when compared with the 64,581 tonnes sent out in the first five months of 2012.

Kim Savuth, president of milled rice exporter Khmer Food Co Ltd and chairman of the Federation of Cambodia Rice Exporters, said the increase was a big surprise. “We encourage the famers to increase plantation of fragrant rice to keep [the high level] of  exports,” he said.

In contrast to some neighbouring countries, Cambodia has big potential for so-called fragrant rice. “Only Cambodia and Thailand can produce fragrant rice. [But] our fragrant rice is $100 to $150 per tonne cheaper than in Thailand – that is our potential.”