Phnom Penh: Minister of Information, Khieu Kanharith, has come to the aid of lentil farmers in Battambang. He’s bought a ton of Pailin lentils, with farmers in Battambang unable to export their products to their usual customers in Thailand with the borders currently closed to all but returning migrant workers. 

The purchase was made in cooperation with the president of the Business Club and founder of Phka Trakoun village, Din Somethearith. 

The Information Minister teamed up with Din Somethearith as part of a campaign to support local farmers with the lentil harvesting season having arrived. 

Din Somethearith says that the Minister's purchase of Pailin lentils is a good example of how to solve the problems of farmers who are facing market problems. At the same time, he also helped order 10 tons to encourage Cambodian farmers to grow more produce despite their limited market. 

"I know farmers, they complain that the price goes down because China and Thailand do not open the market. I also helped to buy 10 tons for $1 per kilo, I also advertise to business people to help buy a ton.”

He says he is encouraging other business people to buy other agricultural products from local farmers to help stimulate the local economy and to provide to those people who need it the most.