More than 1,600 households in Banteay Srei district, Siem Reap province determined to be vulnerable to Covid-19-related shocks are to be gifted seeds of a variety of vegetables through the state-run Cambodia Food Reserve System (CFRS).

The seeds were handed over to the commune chiefs and all 36 village chiefs of the district – which is just northeast of Siem Reap town – to be delivered to those most in need, at an event held at the district hall on March 17, presided over by Ministry of Economy and Finance secretary of state and CFRS Committee chairman Vong Sandab.

These included choy sum, eggplant, pumpkin and white amaranth, according to district governor Khim Finan.

Finan said the initiative aims to address and jointly shoulder some of the hardships that the people face during these tough times, and to promote organic family farming to cut down locals’ daily expenses, free up more of their time, and develop management practices that will maximise land-use efficiency.

He propounded that growing these vegetables will offer families the opportunity to generate more income and secure their livelihoods, especially the women who would find themselves with more free time on their hands.