‘Smart’ high-tech farm launched in Siem Reap

The Australia-Cambodia joint ‘smart’ corn farm

An Australian-Cambodian partnership launched a 1,000ha "smart farm" in Siem Reap, aiming to modernize agriculture, improve local livelihoods, and create jobs.

AG Agribusiness Asia (Cambodia) have worked with ING Holdings to invest in the new project, located in Prasat Bakong district’s Meanchey commune.

An inauguration ceremony was conducted on May 25 to celebrate the new venture, which is expected to contribute to the overall improvement of the Kingdom’s agriculture sector.

Ung Kimleang, deputy governor of Siem Reap province, hailed the companies for choosing the province.

“The provincial administration hopes that they will continue to make more investment in order to contribute to socio-economic development and the creation of more jobs for our people,” he said.

He explained that agriculture plays an important role in improving the livelihoods of the public, especially in rural areas. Like the government, the provincial administration places a high priority on attracting investment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and he believes the investment in the new farm would provide many opportunities for the province.

“Through this investment, we hope to see an increase in household incomes in Prasat Bakong district, alleviating poverty and contributing to the growth of the local economy,” he added.

Benjamine Bootle, managing director of AG Agribusiness, said the main goal of the company is to promote the use of modern, smart techniques to farmers and farming communities across the country. The new venture will feature some of the most modern agriculture technology ever employed in Cambodia, technology which makes it easier for farmers to increase the efficiency of their operations, while mitigating the effects of climate change.

He explained that the farm features high-level irrigation systems and creative, progressive water storage. He also noted that it will create many jobs for both women and men.

“In the future, our company wants to see this area full of mixed crops, including cotton, soy bean, cereals and high-yield rice. These crops will not only maintain economic stability but will also contribute to the sustainability of Cambodian agriculture and business for the next generation,” he added.
* Kim Yutharo