Renowned for its organic produce and its clean environment free of drugs and gambling, Koh Peam Raing village is set to be added to the existing model villages recognised by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Located in Koh Chek commune in Prey Veng’s Peam Chor district, it has evolved from a remote village into a well-known development area, drawing the attention of both Cambodians and foreigners, including rural development minister Chhay Rithisen.

Encircled by the clear waters of the Mekong River and fresh air, the village is accessible by motorboat from Koh Peam Raing Port, with the journey taking just over 10 minutes.

Visitors are greeted by rows of lush vegetable gardens upon arrival.

Following a recent visit, the minister expressed his surprise and satisfaction with the village's impressive development, announcing plans to designate it as a model village.

This designation will make it the only model village in Prey Veng, joining the 30 existing model villages established nationwide over the past decade.

When asked about the island’s prosperity, villagers often attribute its development to Ieng Sotheara, a prominent businessman and advisor to the Board of Directors of the Mahanikaya of Cambodia.

Sotheara explained that he has been involved in the village's development for six years, noting it is home to over 240 families, comprising around 1,000 people, who cultivate approximately 700 hectares of land.

Upon arriving in 2018, Sotheara began educating the residents on meditation, the dangers of drugs and gambling, and societal issues, using slogans on wooden boards placed throughout the village.

These efforts were conducted in close collaboration with the head monk of the local pagoda, the principal of the primary school and local authorities, all of whom play crucial roles in the community.

Sotheara emphasised that the village's development has been guided by the four principles of Buddhism: the physical, moral, mental and intellectual.

“I have helped the village's advancement, which has progressed pleasantly. I began the work in October 2018 and continue to support and guide its growth,” he said.

“The minister visited the island, expressed his satisfaction and will designate it as a model village. [It] has many special features,” he added.

Village chief Nou Meng explained that Sotheara initially focused on educating the people, including teaching them Buddhist meditation practices.

In addition, Meng said Sotheara encouraged the community to shift from using chemical fertilisers in growing organic vegetables to attract the market and improve public health.

He also promoted environmental cleanliness by providing rubbish bins and encouraging proper waste disposal, Meng said.

Additionally, he noted that Sotheara recommended households maintain vegetable gardens and fences to enhance the village's aesthetic appeal.

Meng highlighted that the village also benefits from a water treatment facility donated by Japan, ensuring that all households have access to clean water and toilets.

“The minister came to see our village, and we are very happy … We have a clean environment and grow vegetables without harmful chemicals,” Meng said.

Regarding the drug and gambling issue, he said, “Drugs are not used in the village and gambling is over in general.”

“We are very excited to be designated as a model village because it shows what our village can achieve. In the commune or Prey Veng province, we are the only model village. This recognition will bring more development assistance,” he stated.

Sotheara, also founder of the Khmer Organic Cooperative, which won the 4th ASEAN “Rural Development & Poverty Eradication Leadership” Award in 2019, noted that his efforts have significantly increased villagers' incomes, with annual organic vegetable sales reaching about $300,000. Additionally, villagers now have access to clean water like residents in Phnom Penh.

“All educational activities are conducted in collaboration with the head monk, and we regularly educate the community. As a result, alcohol consumption has significantly decreased, and drugs and gambling are almost eliminated. People even stopped betting on the lottery,” he said.

Pit Karuna, spokesman for the ministry, stated that during the seventh mandate, the ministry is focusing on its third priority: diversifying rural development through the establishment of model villages to improve the lives of residents.

He added that the ministry has identified five criteria for model villages: economic, social, health and living environment, infrastructure and governance.

“The ministry’s team will visit each village in the capital and provinces to inspect which ones meet the five criteria.

“We are in the process of selecting potential villages and conducting evaluations based on the criteria before officially designating them as model villages. The rural development ministry plans to establish 50 model villages each year,” he added.

Of the villages that have already been established, Karuna noted 10 are in Tbong Khmum, 10 in Takeo and 10 in Kampong Speu provinces, each with unique potential.

According to the ministry, once a village is declared a model village, it receives key development projects focused on economic growth. These projects help increase household incomes through skills training, credit loans and the creation of large-scale, diversified agriculture capable of turning a profit.

In addition to economic development, there are social development activities aimed at improving health through the provision of clean water, adequate toilets and infrastructure improvements such as roads, health centres and model kindergartens.

There is also a focus on promoting education and administrative management, which includes teaching villagers to be diligent, fostering community spirit and encouraging them to take pride in their achievements. Furthermore, the policy aims to enhance security management and order, as well as promote the safe village-commune policy, according to the ministry.