The Cambodian Cashew Association (CAC) has urged cashew farmers to regularly inspect their fields to reduce weather-related risks in the 2025 harvest season that could affect cashew yields by 10 to 30 percent.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association urged all cashew farmers to pay extra attention to their cashew crops as rainfall could continue into the 2025 dry season.
The statement added that rainfall has been above the annual average for the past five years, increasing weather-related risks for cashew crops in the 2025 harvest season.
The challenges facing cashew crops will be due to a rapid increase in insect populations, as high humidity causes insects to hatch quickly, and larvae that damage flowers and nuts, including flower-wrapping worms, flower-cutting worms and fruit-eating worms, and other diseases.
“All these challenges, if not addressed promptly, could reduce cashew yields by between 10 and 30 percent.”
“The association would like to remind cashew farmers to regularly inspect their fields.”
If pests or diseases are found, they should be addressed and treated in a timely manner in consultation with agricultural experts.”
The association encourages farmers to adopt organic measures as a sustainable solution to combat climate change. It is also worth noting that the cashew harvest season in Cambodia usually starts in February and ends in May. However, the harvest can be affected by climate change and the lack of standards for drying and care.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology on Monday advised relevant institutions, local authorities and citizens to use and conserve water well in the first three months of next year, especially in rural areas far from water sources.
The Ministry of Water Resources’ forecast shows that from January to May, the La Nina phenomenon will decrease by 60% to 40% and be replaced by an ENSO-Neutral phenomenon that will increase by 60% to 80%.
For the dry season, from January to early March, the average minimum temperature in Pailin, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Cardamom Range and Dangrek Mountains and Kirirom, Kampong Speu Province will be between 18°C and the maximum may reach 30°C. The average minimum and maximum temperatures will be lower than in previous years.
Rainfall during the dry season will be similar to recent years, but the rainy season will be average to above average, with frequent thunderstorms and strong winds. Rainfall will increase compared to last year for the lowlands and coastal areas.
The rainy season may start earlier than last year, possibly starting in the first two weeks of May.
