Battambang: Dr. Kao Thach, the Royal Government Delegate in Charge of the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), on September 12, 2026, led a meeting with rice millers from Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, and Battambang provinces to review the progress of the rice sector and financing to support the collection of rice from farmers as much as possible and at a reasonable price.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Rural Development and Agriculture Bank, Battambang Provincial Branch, with the participation of Oknha Lay Chhunhua, President of the Cambodian Rice Federation, Oknha Chan Sokhang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rice Federation, and Mr. Lon Yeng, Secretary General of the Federation of Rice, Mills and Export Companies, a total of more than 20 people.
Dr. Kao Thach said on the occasion that today’s meeting is to review the progress of rice procurement and promote the achievement of the target of exporting 1 million tons of rice, which is Cambodia’s white gold, because in the past 16 years, following the policy since 2010, although we have encountered many complex problems that everyone must know and recognize, because at that time we did not expect that the price of rice would drop unreasonably in 2016, the reality is that we have successfully solved the problem. The problem is that we do not have sufficient infrastructure such as warehouses and drying kilns yet, as well as working capital, which causes the central government to lower the price of rice for farmers.
In addition, the doctor reminded that in order to maintain annual exports of 1 million tons or more, the ARDB bank continues to support financing, so the mills should continue to increase their rice procurement activities and strengthen cooperation to successfully achieve the Cambodian rice export plan of 1 million tons for 2026.
The delegation confirmed the preparation of a budget package to support the official announcement of the preparation of a revolving credit package of up to 200 million US dollars from ARDB Bank for this harvest season to rice mills to purchase rice for storage in time and maintain market prices.
Regarding the news about the changes in the Philippine market, which has many orders for rice from Vietnam, Dr. Kao Thach confirmed that rice mills in the province bordering Tonle Sap should check the Vietnamese market because recently there is a need for more premium rice for export. In this regard, local mills can consider collecting and purchasing more rice from the Cambodian and Vietnamese borders. To increase storage and export more.
In addition, the delegation told rice mills and exporters to work together between state institutions and the private sector, to be a strong force to promote the Cambodian rice value chain and protect the interests of farmers to ensure sustainable rice prices. And high added value.
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