Papaya farmer Kong Khy on his plantation in Banteay Preal commune’s Russey Douch village, in Kampong Chhnang province’s Rolea Ba’ier district. Photo supplied
In 2018, Kong Khy, once an ordinary farmer, struggled to cultivate crops. Now, with newfound knowledge, he excels in growing various crops, particularly papaya.
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Tending to nearly 200 papaya trees, each yielding around 100kg of fruit, he has also successfully propagated a hundred more trees from a single one, ensuring both abundance and quality.
Amidst the country’s agricultural growth and concerns about imported chemical-laden produce, Khy has dedicated five years to succeed in natural agriculture.
At 64, he cultivates a variety of crops, including cabbage, kale, tomatoes, garlic and other long-term fruits. Despite his age, he remains passionate about agriculture, recalling how he revived a fallen papaya tree through resourceful methods after years of cultivating naturally.
“Initially, I lacked knowledge about root cultivation techniques. However, I improvised by blending soil with dead leaves and straw, effectively wrapping it around. Subsequently, I discovered the efficacy of using a vitamin-rich energy drink, combined with fish sauce and soil. This approach accelerated root growth, resulting in a notable difference within about 10 days,” he says.
Fresher, pricier papayas
On a 1ha plot of land, Khy, guided by training from the Kampong Cham provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, utilised part of it for a fish pond. The rest became a fertile ground for a diverse range of crops, boasting papaya trees and seasonal crops.
Additionally, crops under one year old, such as cucumbers, beans, lentils, and watercress, constitute the second category. Meanwhile, the third category encompasses crops older than one year, including bananas, coconuts, mangoes and papayas. Remarkably, he manages these alone without any workers, ensuring a year-round harvest.
Residing in Banteay Preal commune’s Russey Doch village in Kampong Chhnang province’s Rolea Ba’ier district, the farmer highlights his Thai variety papaya trees. Capable of yielding over 100kg of fruit, each weighing up to 8kg, these trees stand out. Green papayas fetch around 1,000 riel ($0.25) per kg, while ripe ones cost 1,500 riel. Their unique selling point lies in their prolonged freshness, lasting approximately five days, enabling him to command a higher price compared to others selling at around 700 riel.
Farming achievement
Khy attests that his farming success earned him a Good Agricultural Practices certificate in 2022 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as recognition from the Kampong Chhnang provincial agriculture department.
He also established a community comprising 48 households. Farmers from across the country visit daily, with about 20 to 30 individuals seeking knowledge and experience each month. Notably, he boasts a daily harvest of up to 20kg.
“Drawing from personal experience, I’ve curated over 100 lessons for those eager to delve into planting techniques. It’s my desire to impart this knowledge as a lasting legacy for others before my time passes,” he says.
He notes that many farmers are involved in agriculture, yet most face a lack of success, with the primary reasons being a lack of responsibility or a disbelief in their own capabilities.
Agricultural excellence
Ngin Hun, director of the Kampong Chhnang provincial agriculture department, notes that the department offers training on crop cultivation techniques, ensuring local farmers achieve optimal yields. However, some farmers express a preference for or request 100 per cent capital assistance to facilitate their crop cultivation endeavours instead.
“Khy exemplifies agricultural excellence by diligently absorbing the teachings of the provincial agriculture department. Furthermore, he proactively identifies markets for his agricultural products,” Hun says.
Agriculture ministry spokesperson Khim Finan tells The Post that each province boasts numerous model farmers. The ministry consistently encourages officials involved in disseminating agricultural techniques, whether derived from ministry research or shared experiences across the country.
The ministry aims to help sustenance farmers shift to industrial farming, promoting large-scale or modern farming communities. Emphasising cost reduction and sustainable supply, it encourages large-scale community co-production.
“This stands as the ministry’s foremost priority for farmers who perceive a deficiency in technical expertise. The ministry aims to facilitate a channel enabling farmers nationwide to form large-scale communities, ensuring the production of high-quality products at standard, competitive prices to meet market demands,” he says.
