Drought affects Cambodian rice farming

PHNOM PENH, Aug 25, 2009 (Xinhua) -- An independent watchdog for agriculture in Cambodia warned Tuesday that at least eight provinces out of the country's total 24 provinces and cities are facing drought.

The Center for Study and Development of Cambodian Agriculture (CEDAC) said in its statement that as of August this year, at least eight provinces are facing drought and the affected farmland is more than 79,000 hectares, which brings worrisome to mass Cambodian farmers.

It said the provinces affected by drought are Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Kandal, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng and Takeo.

CEDAC said if there will be no rainfall for two more weeks, then Cambodia's farming will be in critical situation.

Rice is one of Cambodia's main agricultural production. Last year, Cambodia produced 7.15 million tons of rice from a total farming land of 2.25 million hectares.

Cambodia can now produce an average of 2.54 tons per hectare, but a large number of farmers across the country can only farm one time a year due to lack of water.

CEDAC was established in 1997 for helping Cambodian farmers in agriculture development.

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