The Royal Ploughing ceremony is an ancient royal rite observed annually in Cambodia under the auspices of the King, to announce the arrival of the rice-planting season and predict the crop productivity of the coming season. 

This year’s ceremony is set to take place from May 24-26 in Kampong Speu province’s Chbar Mon town, according to a notice issued by Kong Sam Ol, chairman of the National Committee for Organising National and International Festivals. 

The statement explained that during his reign, the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk had drove ploughs in Phnom Penh, as well as the provinces of Kandal, Kampong Cham, Svay Rieng, Siem Reap, Kampong Speu and Takeo.

Later, the King appointed a representative to drive the plough, but still graced the ceremony with his presence.

“We observe this ceremony as an auspicious occasion to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season of farmers and ask for an abundance of rain to serve the agricultural sector, so that rice farmers will produce a bumper crop,” said the committee. 

In order to observe the occasion in a solemn, suitable and meaningful manner, Sam Ol advised the committee, the Kampong Speu Provincial Administration and all relevant ministries to cooperate with the Ministry of the Royal Palace to organise the event.

He confirmed that King Norodom Sihamoni will preside over the ceremony, alongside members of the Royal family, government leaders, civil servants, teachers, students and members of the public, in order to preserve the traditions of the monarch. 

He recommended that several ministries – Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Water Resources and Meteorology; Mines and Energy; Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation; Commerce; and Tourism – direct their specialised departments to stage an exhibition in the town, in collaboration with the committee and the provincial administration

Sam Ol also asked the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and the provincial administration to arrange troupes of performers to celebrate the event on the night of May 26 in the provincial town. 

The ministries of Interior and National Defence are to instruct their subordinate units to work together to protect security and public order, while also managing traffic, in order to guarantee public safety before, during and after the event.

The King, dignitaries and leaders will be greeted by the public and be presented with a guard of honour.

Chhin Ketna, permanent deputy chair of the committee, chaired a March 20 meeting with officials and the provincial administration to discuss plan for the ceremony.

It was decided that the ceremony will be held on the grounds of the department of education, youth and sport in Rokar Thom commune’s Trapeang village.

Kampong Speu governor Vei Samnang and his wife will drive a plough during this year’s ceremony.