The Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to play a pivotal role in Cambodia's agricultural sector, with a committed portfolio of $2.2 billion supporting over 35 projects, 30 per cent of them concentrated on agriculture and irrigation.

Speaking recently on the bank’s ongoing efforts, Jyotsana Varma, ADB country director for Cambodia, emphasised the institution’s steadfast support for agricultural growth, despite a growth rate that has hovered at around just one per cent in recent years.

Desoite slow growth, agriculture remains a cornerstone of Cambodia's economy, and Varma highlighted the importance of the sector as both an economic driver and a tool for improving food security.

“30% of our investment is actually in the agriculture and irrigation sectors. We have six ongoing projects in agriculture,” Varma explained, during the April 9 launch of the ADB’s Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2025.

“Three of them are for value chain development and two in value chain development, one for marine fisheries, and two ongoing in irrigation,” she added.

Farmers pick tomatoes at a farm in Mondulkiri province. Hong Raksmey

The ADB's investment in the agriculture and irrigation sectors is poised to increase by $400 million over the next three years, further solidifying the bank's commitment to Cambodia’s agricultural transformation.

Varma added that the strategic focus is on increasing agricultural productivity, especially through agro-processing, which will not only boost Cambodia’s food production but also enhance its export capacity.

“There’s a real trend towards import substitution,” she said, adding “Cambodian farmers are starting to grow food that was previously imported.”

This move is supported by better infrastructure and higher productivity. With private sector engagement, she saw a very promising future for the processing of products like rice, cashew, mango, pepper, rubber and cassava.

Through initiatives like the Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project, the ADB is modernising irrigation systems, which are essential for improving crop yields and climate resilience.

Another key initiative, the Agricultural Value Chain Infrastructure Improvement Project, focuses on enhancing rural infrastructure and post-harvest facilities to ensure better market access for farmers.

Rows of vegetables at a farm in Mondulkiri province. Hong Raksmey

One of the most ambitious projects backed by the ADB is the Climate-Friendly Agribusiness Value Chains Sector Project, which is helping to modernise agriculture through the integration of advanced technologies, all while strengthening the climate resilience of the sector.

Similarly, the Tonle Sap Rural Poverty Reduction and Growth Project aims to support farmers in the Tonle Sap Basin by improving both agricultural productivity and market access.

Varma expressed confidence in the agriculture sector's outlook, noting that the ADB’s efforts, alongside Cambodia's own commitment to the sector, will significantly impact food production and export potential.

“The sector is poised to make significant contributions to Cambodia’s food story,” she added.

In addition to agricultural initiatives, ADB investments are boosting rural connectivity, fostering private sector partnerships and building essential infrastructure to support the agriculture sector.

With these strategic investments, the ADB is not only helping Cambodia enhance food production but also creating the foundation for long-term economic growth and sustainable development in the region.

Cambodian agricultural products are not only supplying local markets but are also being exported to many countries around the world.

Workers harvest bananas at a plantation in Ranattakiri province. Hong Raksmey

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina highlighted the continued expansion of the Kingdom’s agricultural exports at a recent event, noting that in 2024, the country exported 12 million metric tonnes of crops to 95 countries.

“With 12 million metric tonnes of crops valued at $5.3 billion, Cambodia is positioning itself as a key player in global agricultural exports, and we are committed to further strengthening our agricultural value chains to ensure long-term growth and food security,” he explained.

As he addressed the April launch of the upcoming Cambodian Agricultural Forum and Exhibition 2025 (CAFÉ 2025), Tina emphasised the increasing value of agricultural commodities, with notable growth in exports of rubber, aquatic products and cereals in recent years, contributing to Cambodia's growing role in the global market.

These efforts align with the broader vision of strengthening the Kingdom’s agricultural value chain and enhancing food security.

Varma described the outlook for Cambodia’s agricultural future as bright, with substantial investments and projects already underway to help the sector thrive.

“We see a very promising future for the processing of products like rice, cashew, mango, pepper, rubber and cassava,” she noted.

Workers harvest banana at a banana plantation in Ranattakiri province. Hong Raksmey