PHNOM PENH, May 27, 2024 — Cambodia celebrated the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, presided over by His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia. The event took place in Chbar Mon city, Kampong Speu province, and was attended by Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, Prime Minister Hun Manet, along with numerous high-ranking officials and foreign diplomats.

During the ceremony, the Governor of Kampong Speu, Vei Samnang, assumed the role of “King Meak,” guiding the royal oxen to plough around the Royal Field. Accompanying him was his spouse, playing “Queen Mehua,” who followed by scattering seeds on the freshly turned soil.

Following the ploughing, the royal oxen were led to seven trays filled with various offerings: paddy, beans, corn, sesame, water, wine, and grass. Significantly, the oxen consumed 95 percent of the rice and corn and 85 percent of the beans presented.

According to a Royal Brahmin who interpreted the oxen's choice, this consumption pattern is a favorable omen for Cambodia’s agriculture, particularly for the harvests of these three primary crops. The Brahmin encouraged Cambodian farmers to prepare for a fruitful farming season.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a cherished tradition, marks the commencement of the planting season in Cambodia. It serves not only as a cultural festivity but also as a predictor of the country’s agricultural productivity for the year.