By:
• Rin Ousa

• September 30, 2024 , 5:20 PM

SIEM REAP – The "Territory and Agro-Tourism" tour aims to promote local agricultural products and tourism in Banteay Srei district, Siem Reap province.

Organized by Agrisud International, a French organization based in Cambodia, this second tour took place on September 28. Participants had the opportunity to observe firsthand the processes of tending to and harvesting fruit trees, cultivating lemongrass, and distilling its essential oil.

The first tour was hosted from Aug. 23 to 25 in the province, enabling media outlets to gather first-hand information on local communities’ plantations.

Seng Pichet, the Agrisud representative in Cambodia, explained the purpose of the full-day tour, saying: "This tour aims to promote local production in Banteay Srei district. We want to encourage tourists to visit, observe, and support these local communities, thereby contributing to the local economy."

He also elaborated on Agrisud Cambodia's work.

"Agrisud Cambodia is currently working with local communities in eight communes to help farmers achieve sustainability and autonomy,” he said. “This involves training farmers in various production techniques, providing some material support, and assisting them in accessing wider markets.”

Pichet also highlighted the positive impact of the program by stressing that: “In addition to the income they earn, I have noticed farmers are gaining knowledge about production methods and sustainable practices, including reducing the use of chemical fertilizers."

Pichet recalled that, before the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers in Banteay Srei were thriving with successful production and markets. However, the pandemic struck a devastating blow, making it an uphill battle for them to sell their goods.

Mao Savath, Vice President of the Cambodia Tourism Association (Siem Reap Chapter), described the tour as a good opportunity to witness firsthand how local farmers cultivate and process their crops. "It is a truly enlightening experience," he said.

Savuth emphasized that tourists can not only immerse themselves in the beauty of eco-tourism but also actively engage with the local communities they visit. "This kind of interaction is invaluable for both tourists and residents," he added.

Following the full-day excursion to Banteay Srei district, Savuth highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting eco-tourism and community-based tourism. "The government sector plays a crucial role, but it's equally essential to involve local communities," he explained.

"By working together, we can create a unified front that will drive community development," said Savuth.

“Cambodia Tourism Association also plays a vital role in introducing local products to tourists. Additionally, the private sector, including hotels, restaurants, chef associations, and other relevant stakeholders, are essential for fostering all the projects forward,” he concluded.

Representatives of the province, department of commerce, Cambodia Tourism Association (Siem Reap Chapter), agro-tourism commission, Cambodia Chef Association, Green Farmers Association, and media outlets took part in the full-day tour.

Participants also visited an ecotourism community known as Boeng Chouk Banteay Srei Community.