AMRU Rice (Cambodia) Co Ltd provided almost 60 tonnes of pure rice seed varieties to 14 farming cooperatives in Preah Vihear province, as part of the agriculture ministry’ promotion of contract farming between private companies and rice farming co-ops.

Ministry secretary of state Yang Saing Koma told The Post on May 17 that the ministry is actively promoting contract farming through the use of pure seeds.

“We arrange contracts between companies and co-ops. We have already implemented contracts in several provinces and are planning to expand across the country,” he said.

The 14 farming co-ops in Preah Vihear have received over 59 tonnes of Phka Rumduol rice seeds – a high yield fragrance variety – for planting in the 2023 rainy season.

After harvesting the rice, Amru will buy all of it, according to the provincial agriculture department.

“To get good results, start with good seeds. This is one of the key factors in achieving high yields and quality rice that can be milled and exported,” said Amru vice-president Kann Kunthy in a social media post.

The ministry announced the government’s contract farming policy in March. It aims to promote quality rice production and address market demands.