Cambodia Says Rice Production Increase Not Due to Hybrid Seeds or Fertilizers

Cambodia Says Rice Production Increase Not Due to Hybrid Seeds or Fertilizers

PHNOM PENH, Feb 27, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday rejected a report by Thai newspaper The Nation Thailand that attributed the country’s rise in rice production to increased use of chemical fertilizers.

Agriculture Ministry spokesperson Khim Finan said the article misrepresented a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rice Outlook – February 2026 report by adding the term “chemical fertilizers,” which he said does not appear in the original assessment.

The ministry warned that such reporting could create negative perceptions about agricultural inputs in Cambodia and potentially harm farmers and export markets.

According to the ministry, Cambodia does not cultivate hybrid rice varieties and instead relies on improved non-hybrid strains that have long been in use.

Rice production rose by around one million tonnes in 2025, driven by expanded cultivation areas, improved farming techniques, better pest management, favorable rainfall and reduced climate-related disruptions, the ministry said.

Official data also showed that Cambodia’s fertilizer imports declined in 2025, contradicting claims that increased chemical use fueled output growth.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable agricultural development and accurate representation of Cambodia’s farming practices.