Some of the farmers affected by flooding in Kratie province gather to receive rice seed so they can replace their damaged crops. Kratie provincial authorities
Authorities are distributing more than 600 tonnes of rice seed to the farmers most affected by flooding in Kratie province, while agricultural officials are continuing to inspect and assess the damage to rice crops in other provinces.
Touch Bun Hour, secretary of state for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, acknowledged that the assessment of the damage done by the most recent second phase of flooding has not yet been completed, but noted that officials in Kratie, the province most affected by the floods, have submitted a request to the Cambodia Food Reserve System (CFRS) for more than 600 tonnes of rice seed.
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“The ministry has provided more than 600 tons of rice seeds, which will be distributed to the citizens. So far, they have reached three districts, and assessments of further damage are ongoing,” he explained.
He said that, in general, the rice reserve system prepares 2,000 tonnes of pure rice seeds annually, as well as financial reserves for purchasing another 3,000 tonnes of seeds if necessary.
“For 2023-2024, we haven't exhausted our reserves, due to a reduction in flooding incidents. If there is more demand, we will use the funds to purchase seeds and distribute them to the population ... but there has never been a shortage. Even if the budget surpasses planned levels, the government will approve additional funding immediately, based on the actual needs of the people,” he added.
As of now, none of the other flood-affected provinces have requested additional seed, although floodwaters have not yet fully receded. The secretary of state also noted that some flooded areas may be recoverable, and said that the ministry is continuing to deploy officials to inspect and assess the damage in other provinces, such as Tbong Khmum and Kampong Cham.
According to the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), nine provinces experienced heavy rainfall and flooding, including Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Sihanouk, Mondulkiri, Siem Reap, Tbong Khmum, Ratanakkiri, Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom. Kratie was the most affected, with 7,934 hectares of rice fields and 794 hectares of mixed crops submerged across six districts.
Authorities in Kratie are distributing rice seeds to farmers affected by the floods to help them replant and recover as soon as the water recedes.
