PHNOM PENH: During the appointment ceremony of the Minister of Agriculture on Monday, 17 October, the Minister of Economy and Finance, DPM Aun Porn Moniroth, praised the new Minister of Agriculture, Dith Tina, for his expressed commitment to continue promoting and developing the agricultural sector in Cambodia to become a strong pillar that supports national economic growth and the interests of local farmers.

As Cambodia is currently facing floods that have severely affected paddy fields and crops, DPM Aun Porn Moniroth asked the new Minister of Agriculture and officials at all levels of the Ministry of Agriculture to focus on effective flood response as a first priority. He urged for the implementation of effective monitoring and impact assessment of damaged crops, livestock, aquaculture and the economy of farming families, in collaboration with the relevant ministries, institutions and capital and provincial authorities.

In addition, he said a campaign must be launched to rehabilitate damaged farmland, so rice seeds, other crop seeds, fish species and frogs must be distributed to farmers in the affected provinces in respect to the extent of damage seen on the farmland.

The DPM also urged specialized units to continue their efforts to monitor the health of animals, vaccinate against various infectious diseases and prevent the illegal movement of animals in the provincial capitals. In particular, he emphasized the importance of crime prevention in the fisheries and forestry sector.

He added that it is necessary to promote the implementation of the National Policy for Agricultural Development 2022-2030 as well as the Strategic Framework and Programs to Restore and Promote Cambodia's Economic Growth in Living with Covid-19 in the New Normal Path for 2021-2023. He particularly highlighted the need to accelerate preparations of the master plan for agricultural development by 2030.

The Minister of Economy said he firmly believes that under the active and energetic leadership of Minister Dith Tina, with the support and joint efforts of leadership and civil servants at all levels, the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to make many achievements.

The newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Dith Tina, said during a press conference on Monday afternoon that he, along with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, will continue to work towards solving the ongoing issue of flooding in the country, which is the first major task he will be engaged with upon taking office.

As of 12 October 2022, more than 200,000 hectares of rice fields in Cambodia have been affected by flooding, of which more than 80,000 hectares were severely damaged and more than 40,000 hectares of rice fields are in need of rehabilitation.

The new Minister of Agriculture has stated that he will continue to strive towards better addressing issues related to the agricultural market in Cambodia, and in particular, will continue to implement and launch various plans to further develop the agricultural sector.