Agriculture officials and about 150 farmers from across the Kingdom participated on Wednesday in a conference at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries designed to allow them to share ideas on modernising Cambodian agronomy and strengthening food security. Some participants, including farmers from Takeo and Kampong Speu provinces, said droughts and a lack of modern infrastructure were posing a threat to their products. “We need agriculture officers to help us build an irrigation system and teach us skills associated with commercial farming,” said Chan Than, 54, from Takeo. Others in attendance said pests such as brown plant hoppers were ruining their crops. Teng Lauv, secretary of state at the Ministry of Agriculture, said exchanging ideas in this and similar forums will help farmers overcome these and other challenges associated with the transition to commercial farming.