Every year, Cambodia spends hundreds of millions of dollars on importing agricultural fertilisers. FB
A new agricultural fertiliser production plant in Kampong Speu province is expected to commence operations in the near future. The factory will be capable of producing more than 200 tonnes of high-quality, international-standard fertiliser per day, a much-needed domestic capacity. In 2024, Cambodia imported just over a million tonnes of fertiliser.
Built with an initial investment of over $2 million by Vireak Buntham Express Co., Ltd (VET), the facility covers 15 hectares in Traeng Trayeung commune, of Phnom Sruoch district.
Suo Vireak, chairman and CEO of Vireak Buntham Express, told The Post on June 11 that he hoped the new plant would somewhat reduce Cambodia’s heavy dependence on imported fertilisers.
He said construction is nearly 100% complete, and that skilled workers are currently conducting trial production runs. Operations would be launched by mid-July or early August.
In the initial phase, the company will produce three types of agricultural fertilisers: compound fertiliser (NPK), organic compost and liquid fertiliser — all made with 100% locally sourced raw materials.
“Right now, our specialists are producing test batches. We’re waiting for the packaging before we officially launch. Based on our estimates, we can begin full production by mid-July or early August with a capacity of about 200 tonnes per day,” said Vireak.
He explained that this investment aligns with the government’s policy to promote and encourage domestic fertiliser production, especially as Cambodia faces issues with poor-quality imported fertilisers that negatively affect the quality, quantity and price of local agricultural products.
Vireak also noted that the company’s products will be cheaper than current market prices because they have their own extensive and efficient transportation network, capable of reaching all parts of the country.
He added that after the new factory begins full operations, the company also plans to produce chemical fertilisers, using certain imported raw materials from Russia, where the company already has established partnerships.
At the first session of the National Assembly and Senate on June 3, Mong Rithy, chairman of the Senate’s Third Commission and an agricultural investor, urged the government to strengthen quality control on imported fertilisers and expand investment in domestic fertiliser production. He stated that agriculture relies heavily on fertilisers, seeds, water and nutrient-rich soil. Even if the land is poor, it can be improved with fertilisers.
He also appealed to the government to help inspect the quality of imported fertilisers, warning that some low-quality products sold to farmers result in lower yields and higher production costs.
Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that fertilisers are not just raw materials or production inputs, but also strategic products — especially if a producing country has a dispute with an importing one.
“Fertiliser is strategic. If we rely on others and they cut us off one day, we’re finished. If they shut off fertiliser supply, we’re powerless. So, building self-sufficiency in fertiliser production is essential,” he said.
He explained that to increase domestic production, he has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, agricultural investors, and experts to work together to study how Cambodia can produce at least 30% of its total fertiliser demand locally, including both chemical and organic fertilisers.
