PHNOM PENH – A modern agricultural community, bringing together pepper farmers in Tbong Khmum province, is due to be launched next month. 

The community, the third of its kind, aims to transform farming from being family-based to strong and highly integrated with economies of scale and competitive in quantity and quality.

Communities on cashew nuts, pepper, vegetable and rice are the priority. Two modern communities have been established so far: a cashew nut community in Kampong Thom and vegetable community in Takeo’s Tram Kak district.

Memot Tbong Khmum Pepper Modern Agricultural Community is set to launch in September, said Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

It consisted of 42 households and a production area of 67 hectares and could produce 250-300 tonnes annually. 

Finan said that the ministry has already sought markets with three international companies including Fuchs, OLAM and Sela Pepper, to buy pepper directly from the community.

He said forming a modern agricultural community will enable farmers to reap the benefits as it has a clear production plan and connects directly to the market. Members get support for infrastructure such as house nets and proper irrigation systems to minimize costs.

In five months, Cambodia exported about 8,900 tonnes of pepper to international markets, an increase of nearly 200 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Torn Chanritheara for Cambodianess.