Farmers warned to prep for imminent droughts

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has issued a warning to farmers regarding forecasts of an upcoming drought. It urged farmers to prepare for the absence of rain, in order to prevent any negative impact on paddy rice production.

Citing a May 30 announcement by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, the agriculture ministry said that the entire Kingdom could expect scattered light to moderate rain from June 1- 6. This favourable weather allows farmers to commence cultivating their rainy paddy rice crops.

However, it warned that drought conditions are expected to occur from July to early August, with a lack of rain also expected at the end of the year, so close attention would need to be paid to advance preparations to safeguard paddy rice production.

The ministry emphasised the importance of early cultivation for farmers with deep fields and access to irrigated water. By cultivating the rice crops promptly, farmers can ensure healthy growth and increased resistance to drought when the short drought period arrives.

The ministry advised farmers with rainfed fields to prepare their fields and strengthen their dykes to retain water for a longer duration, in order to mitigate the impact of the drought. In such fields, planting should be extended until the end of July.

To combat potential crop damage, the ministry advised farmers to keep spare rice seed on hand, in case replanting becomes necessary. Local authorities and other stakeholders were also urged to monitor water sources and paddy rice growth in their respective areas, while also preparing to intervene with pumps.

The ministry also called upon local authorities and other stakeholders to preserve their existing water resources, and urged responsible water usage to avoid depletion, as this could have an adverse affect on both animal husbandry and human consumption.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the ministry emphasised the need for local authorities to understand the impacts of drought, potential rescue measures, crop damage possibilities, and identify vulnerable farmers who may require future assistance from the government.

The ministry expected the cooperation and readiness of farmers, local authorities and provincial Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, to respond to the challenges posed by these climate conditions, so as to reduce any impact on rice production.

Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays.He

A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance.Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant.Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime's compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom.King Norodom

With the national election scheduled to take place in less than two months, Prime Minister Hun Sen has warned foreign nations and their diplomats not to interfere into Cambodia's domestic affairs.He also hinted that their statements on court verdicts handed down to any