Agricultural ministry officials inspect a rice field in Pursat province’s Bakan district for the effects of dangerous overuse of fertilisers. Agriculture ministry
Agricultural experts have advised the Kingdom’s farmers to avoid the overuse of chemicals during periods of climate change and are currently inspecting the business operations of fertiliser and agricultural chemical distributors and encouraging them to attend professional training courses on managing these products.
Over 100 hectares of rice fields in Bakan district, Pursat province, have been adversely affected due to the excessive use of Paclobutrazol, an agricultural chemical, particularly during hot weather conditions, according to Hay Thura, director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
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"When this chemical is used in excessive amounts during extreme heat, it causes minor damage to the rice, turning it slightly reddish, but it is not severe. Now that the rains have resumed, the fields can be fertilised again, and the plants will recover because the rice is still in the growth stage. It is not a major issue, and the crops will continue to grow," he said.
Thura added that the affected rice varieties is Somali rice, a tall-growing type. Farmers have been using Paclobutrazol to stunt the growth and encourage early tilling and flowering.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, along with the provincial agricultural department, conducted inspections and assessed the impact of the improper use of chemicals on rice crops in the province from August 21 to 23.
The Ministry revealed that based on direct field inspections, the team concluded that the yellowing of the rice was due to the overuse of Paclobutrazol, combined with prolonged hot weather and the absence of rain.
They determined that some farmers were using up to six times the recommended dose of the chemical.
"Generally, the recommended dosage of Paclobutrazol for rice is 20-25 grams per 25-litre tank of water, with 8-10 tanks used per hectare, equating to 160-250 grammes. However, it was found that farmers have been using 1,000-1,500 grams per hectare, far exceeding the recommended levels," the ministry said.
The excessive use of Paclobutrazol can inhibit plant growth, causing yellowing at the leaf edges and spots on the leaves, with some leaves drying out. However, since the rice is still in the growth stage, there has been no serious damage, only cosmetic changes.
The team decided that the affected rice crops might see a slight reduction in yield.
Farmers and local agricultural officials were advised to adhere to recommended standards when using fertilisers and chemicals, to ensure effectiveness and safety. Additionally, they only use chemicals that are registered with the agriculture ministry.
The ministry's inspection teams have also been checking the business operations of fertiliser and chemical distributors in Svay Rieng and Prey Veng provinces.
The teams advised the relevant provincial agricultural departments to continue inspecting fertiliser and chemical depots and to encourage distributors to enroll in professional training courses on managing these products.
This will provide them with the foundational knowledge they need to assist farmers in using and storing fertilisers and chemicals correctly, achieving better yields, reducing costs and contributing to environmental protection.
The teams inspected several depots and facilities in both provinces to understand their business operations better. They also provided additional guidance on managing fertiliser and chemical businesses according to the law and international best practices.
