Cambodia distributes agricultural equipment to 16,000 farmers

The Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) distributed farming equipment to 73 agricultural cooperatives and 6 modern agricultural communities during the Cambodia Agriculture Forum and Exhibition 2026 (CAFE26).

The distribution occurred at the conclusion of a three-day exhibition in Cambodia that hosted more than 25,000 visitors. The project, known as PEARL, receives funding from the Green Climate Fund to improve agricultural productivity and protect ecosystems in the northern Tonle Sap basin.

The equipment includes 33 tractors, 6 mini tractors, 17 harvesters, 89 net houses, 10 drying yards, and 2 drones. The equipment is expected to help more than 16,000 farmers in the provinces of Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Siem Reap. The ministry and the FAO aim to expand these efforts to support approximately 450,000 smallholder farmers by 2029. The project also seeks to restore more than 7,600 hectares of vulnerable ecosystems.

During the forum, officials also recognized Set Hach, a cooperative leader who was named one of the FAO’s Global 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems for Rural Development. Hach leads the Satrey Phouk Phal Meanchey Agricultural Cooperative, which includes 540 members. The forum served as a space for investors, businesses, and development partners to discuss trade, financing, and innovation in the agrifood sector.