Quoted from Neak Oknha Mong Reththy speaking at the 14th Government Private Sector Forum, Nov 2008

An estimated 85 per cent of 14 million Cambodians live in rural areas and depend upon agricultural cultivation as their primary means of subsistence or livelihood. Intervention to improve agricultural performance will greatly benefit a large number of people who are among those most affected by poverty.

The Cambodian agriculture and agro-industry sector has developed significantly in recent years and has great potential for investment, employment creation and as a source for economic growth. For instance, rice production has increased by more than 50 per cent since 2005. However, the sector is starting from a low base and suffers from fragmented and weak supply chains, low productivity and underdeveloped infrastructure. Support structures that will enable increased yield, quality and access to markets are also deficient.