Battambang: The lush green vegetable gardens lining the banks of the Sangker River not only enhance the scenic beauty for tourists enjoying boat rides but also provide a vital secondary income source for local residents.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Sangker River in Battambang province, characterised by its naturally fluctuating water levels, creates ideal conditions for short-term vegetable cultivation. The river’s dynamic flow results in alternating eroded and gently sloping banks, offering fertile land for easy farming.
During the dry season, when the river recedes, residents along the Sangker River, particularly those with access to the gently sloping banks, cultivate a variety of mixed crops and vegetables without concerns about water shortages.
Mr. Meun Soeun, 78, a resident of Kampong Chlorng village, Bay Damram commune, Banan district, Battambang province, shared that his family and children consistently grow various vegetables on the Sangker Riverbanks. This cultivation is only possible during the dry season when the river’s water level is low.
During the rainy season, the rising waters submerge the banks, making farming impossible. The Sangker Riverbank soil is exceptionally fertile, enriched by the sediment deposited during floods, resulting in abundant harvests.
“Initially, I only grew vegetables for our family’s consumption, ensuring they were free from harmful chemicals,” Mr. Meun Soeun explained. “However, as more people requested to buy or share our produce, I expanded the variety of vegetables grown.”
Today, his son uses a power tiller to cultivate various vegetables, including string beans, chili, and other vegetables. These crops are collected by vendors and sold in the city market, supplementing the family’s daily income. While some vegetables fetch lower market prices, the low input costs, relying solely on cow manure fertiliser and natural upkeep, ensure profitability.
The family practices crop rotation, ensuring a continuous supply of vegetables and generating a weekly income ranging from 600,000 Riel (about US$150) to 1,000,000 Riel (roughly US$250). Currently, numerous families along the Sangker River, especially those residing near the gently sloping banks, engage in this livelihood.
Despite the dry season’s scorching heat, the vibrant green vegetable gardens create a picturesque landscape along the winding river, complemented by a suspension bridge, a popular tourist attraction for afternoon boat rides.