Phnom Penh: Cambodia has the potential to generate an additional US$1 billion in value from its cashew industry by focusing on domestic processing before export. Contract farming in agriculture is playing a pivotal role in linking producers to markets and fostering trust between farmers and processors, which is expected to significantly boost domestic cashew processing.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Khim Finan, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, emphasized the economic potential on Mar. 29, 2025. He highlighted that by increasing processing activities within the country, Cambodia could move away from the current practice of exporting 90 percent of its raw cashews. This strategic shift could introduce substantial revenue into the national economy.

The establishment of modern agricultural cooperatives is seen as a key factor in achieving this goal. These cooperatives will pave the way for contract farming and processing, ensuring that a greater value of the cashew industry is retained within Cambodia.