Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina proposed an exchange of farming experiences with India by inviting Indian investors to visit Cambodia. By exploring the potential of the Kingdom’s agricultural sector, he aims to open more market opportunities for Cambodian agricultural products.

Tina made his proposal during a December 5 meeting with Indian ambassador to Cambodia Devyani Khobragade.

“India is a major producer of agricultural machinery that could be imported to reduce local farmers’ production costs. We also discussed a feasibility study of the supply of chemical fertilisers from India, with a focus on the quality and price of fertilisers that could compete in the Cambodian market,” he said.

Ministry spokeswoman Im Rachna told The Post on December 6 that during the meeting, the minister mentioned the possibility of providing opportunities for Cambodian agricultural experts to visit India, where they could learn more about improving the sector, especially through the use of machinery and solar-powered irrigation systems.

“At the same time, Cambodia has requested that Indian specialists come to Cambodia to strengthen agricultural research and development,” she said.

Rachna said Tina also met with Cuban ambassador Liurka Rodriguez Barrios in a separate meeting.

Rodriguez mentioned Cuban demand for rice as it is a staple of the Caribbean nation. She extended an invitation to Dina and ministry officials to visit the island state.

“Cuba proposed sending experts from Cambodia to Cuba to exchange and share knowledge about rice cultivation with Cuban officials,” Rachna said.

Tina welcomed the request and agreed to dispatch a team to Cuba to take part in in-person training.

“Cambodia will arrange for a delegation of stakeholders from the agricultural sector to visit Cuba in order to share knowledge. Their input will lead to the development of agriculture, especially rice cultivation, in Cuba,” she said.