The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and the Cambodian Cassava Federation on Tuesday discussed strategies to increase local cassava processing and production.
Cambodia is Asia’s fourth-largest cassava exporter and the world’s 10th-largest cassava exporter, with an area of 60,000 to 80,000 hectares.
In a meeting with a delegation from the Cambodian Cassava Federation (CFC) led by CFC President Chray Son, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Hem Vandy stressed that the shift from exporting fresh cassava tubers to local processing is key to creating added value, improving farmers’ livelihoods and diversifying Cambodia’s industry.
The meeting addressed challenges in the industry and explored opportunities to increase the economic potential of cassava through local processing and value-added production, the ministry said in a press release.
“The CFC plays a key role in organizing cassava farmers, finding starchy varieties and ensuring fair practices in the sector,” said Hem Vandy.
He stated that the ministry supports the CFC’s proposal to adopt cleaner production methods and establish a cassava value chain group.
He tasked the Cambodian Standards Institute to update standards related to Cambodian cassava to meet market needs.
He also encouraged the CFC to collaborate with Cambodian entrepreneurs on business planning, market access and participation in international exhibitions. Partnerships with financial institutions such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Bank and the Rural and Agricultural Development Bank will help the CFC to access funding for cassava enterprises.
The CFC Chairman stressed the great potential of the sub-sector. “Currently, Cambodia exports 95 percent of its fresh cassava and processes only 5 percent domestically, contributing about $728 million to the national economy,” he said.
“Cassava can be converted into a variety of products, including flour, bread, crackers, beverages and industrial goods such as paper.”
In addition, Mr. Hem Vandy proposed research collaboration with the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation to obtain advanced recycling technologies. He also urged the CFC to mobilize Cambodia’s 90,000 cassava farming families to participate in the newly launched digital platform for the informal economy, aiming to enhance economic resilience.
On Monday, the Royal Government officially launched the “Digital Registration Platform for the Informal Economy,” chaired by Prime Minister Hun Sen.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Sen emphasized the importance of the platform in recognizing and supporting the informal economy.
It is worth recalling that late last month, a delegation from the CFC Board of Directors paid a courtesy call on Minister of Commerce Cham Nimman and reported on the progress of the CFC.
During the meeting, the CFC Board of Directors also requested guidance, recommendations, and support to help the Federation become a strategic partner in enhancing cassava productivity, an important crop, and diversifying markets to increase Cambodia’s exports.
