Cambodia's aquaculture sector is showing signs of strengthening, but the challenges of competing with imports continue to dominate the industry. Despite this, fish production remains undeterred, fuelled by the drive for self-reliance.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina advised the implementers of the Agriculture Services Programme for Innovation, Resilience and Extension and Agricultural Trade (ASPIRE-AT) to consider increasing the use of digital technology.
The government has earmarked nearly $200 million to fund the Agriculture Services Programme for an Inclusive Rural Economy and Agricultural Trade (ASPIRE-AT) running from 2023-2027, with the main focus on building the value chains of six agricultural products, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Since its launch in 2015, the Agriculture Services Programme for Innovation, Resilience and Extension (ASPIRE) project – which focused on the introduction of modern agricultural techniques that are resilient to climate change – has benefited 144,000 farming households across Cambodia.
Jyosna Puri, vice-president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), told Prime Minister Hun Sen that IFAD supports Cambodia and recognises Hun Sen’s efforts to maintain peace, stability, and development, especially in the agriculture sector.