[Cambodia's] Rice production seen reaching 8.4 million tons in 2011 as yields rise

Rice harvest in Takeo province.

Published: 26-Dec-11
By: Sarath

PHNOM PENH- Cambodia's production of rice and paddy is forecast to reach 8.4 million tons in 2011 with yields rising to 3.1 tons a hectare, up from 2.97 tons, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said.

The ministry said that major flooding this year adversely affected only 10 percent of the country's rice fields. After exports, Cambodia will be left with around 4 million tons of paddy which can make 2.57 million tons of rice, it said.

United Nations Development Programme Country Director Elena Tischenko said last week that Cambodia's agricultural production was likely to decrease this year due to the extensive flooding and Typhoon Ketsana last year.