Preah Sihanouk: Farmers in the Prey Nup district of Preah Sihanouk province are actively engaged in early preparations for the 2025 rainy season rice cultivation, according to the latest data released by the provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, as of April 7, 2025, the Office of Agricultural Machinery and the Office of Agronomy and Agricultural Productivity reported significant progress in Prey Nup, one of the two districts in the province designated for rainy season rice farming. Farmers in the district have already completed land preparation on a substantial 861 hectares, which constitutes 6.62 percent of the province’s total target area of 13,000 hectares. This land preparation is being facilitated by the use of agricultural machinery, including both walking tractors and larger tractors, highlighting the role of mechanisation in the early stages of cultivation.

Furthermore, the report indicates that the initial planting of wet season rice has commenced in Prey Nup, with 106 hectares already planted. This represents 0.82 percent of the total targeted area for the district.

In contrast to the activity in Prey Nup, the report shows that farmers in the Kampong Seila district have yet to begin land preparation or planting for the upcoming rainy season. Kampong Seila has a designated wet season rice cultivation area of 1,760 hectares.

Preah Sihanouk province has a total of 13,000 hectares earmarked for rainy season rice cultivation, with the majority (11,240 hectares) located in Prey Nup district. The remaining 1,760 hectares are situated in Kampong Seila district. The province’s other administrative divisions, including one district and three municipalities, are not designated for rainy season rice cultivation due to their predominantly mountainous geography and focus on fishing industries.

The early progress in land preparation and initial planting in Prey Nup suggests a proactive approach by farmers in the region as they gear up for the crucial rainy season rice cultivation, which plays a vital role in the local economy and food security. Agricultural authorities will likely continue to monitor the progress in both Prey Nup and Kampong Seila districts as the rainy season approaches.