Despite imminent water shortages in some areas, this year’s dry-season rice cultivation and yields are not expected to decline, said an agriculture official.

He explained that famers in the affected areas known for being prone to water shortages – hence deemed unsuitable for dry-season rice cultivation and are not included in the production plans – are already actively farming their land.

Khim Finan, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, made the remarks during his January 14 visit to Pursat province to evaluate the water supply for dry-season cultivation, alongside a working group from the provincial agriculture department.

“In previous years, we experienced a shortage of water only during droughts. But this year, we have already faced the problem, despite proper water supply planning in advance,” he said, clarifying  the “misconception” that the authorities have banned farmers from cultivating rice in their usual locations.

According to Finan, the real issue arose from farmers hastily planting rice in the areas, lured by this year’s high prices, despite being aware of the risks.

He said the situation left the local authorities, in particular the provincial administration, with no option but to inform them of the shortage in advance.

Finan emphasised the importance of providing accurate and timely information to the community, saying the authorities aimed to prevent those who had started growing rice from facing a mid-season water shortage.

The authorities advised others, who are preparing to plant rice, to refrain from doing so due to the potential for greater losses.

“When the farmers face problems, we don’t focus on who is right or wrong. Our priority is to help them overcome the challenges immediately,” he stated.

Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology spokesperson Chan Yutha reported on January 15 that a working group recently visited Kok Banteay commune in Kampong Chhnang province’s Rolea Ba’ier district to oversee water pumping activities aiding dry-season cultivation.

He added that the group found over 700ha of dry-season rice in the commune being salvaged from the shortage. 

Efforts included using machinery to expand streams, and canals and the irrigation department planned to deploy eight pumping machines to assist residents.

“In the past, the area received water from the Chrey Bak River for dry-season rice. However, this year the river’s sources failed to provide sufficient water because the upper region of the river, typically used for rainy-season rice and not for dry-season cultivation, is now being farmed,” he explained.

Yutha noted that in 2024, the Kingdom might face extreme temperatures and reduced rainfall compared to last year due to El Nino weather phenomenon. 

He said that in some regions, low river levels could prevent water from reaching reservoirs, lakes, streams and canals.

“The weather conditions could lead to rapid water evaporation ... Therefore, I have advised residents to cultivate dry-season rice only once, to conserve water for everyday use and avoid the severe water shortages Cambodia experienced in 2015 and 2016,” he stated.