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in the lace of the 2008-2009 global economic and financial crisis. Samdech Akka Moila Sen;!
~ ', L, . ~ri 7 i.ct~i, H U N SEN. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, timely mastelminded
and iead the imp1emen:ation of key policy measures to tackle and mitigate the impacts of the
crisis on the Cambodia economy and people's livelihoods. The basic philosophy of ills
leadership is to "control the economic pulse of the rzation, ensure sourzd arzd favorable
rrzacro ecorzor~ricconditiorzs and, more importantly, ensure the normalcy of people's
livelihoods, sinzply speaking is to ensure that the Carnbodiarz people must have erzough rice
to eat ".
Based on this brilliant and realistic strategic principle, Cambodia has managed to protect her
sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign invasion, while Sanzdeclz Techo Prime
Minister has successfr~llyguided the economy, like other Asian ecorzonries, tlzror~ghthe
r~zostdifficult period of the crisis. Cambodia has ntarzaged to mairztairz the stability of the
firzarzcial sector as well as macro-economic arzd social stability, especially the rzorrnalcy of
the people's livelihoods. Moreover, thanks to robust growth of agriculture and rural economy,
the majority of the Cambodian people, who are predominantly fa~mers,are expected to benefit
from the growth and their livelihoods will be improved even further.
Indeed, as a wise. inspiring and brilliant Statesman, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo
HUN SEN. has always kept the "rzation's pulse" under control. His unique leadership skills
are again and again manifested in his long-term vision for national development, coupled with
pragmatic, realistic and flexible policies and strategies aimed at achieving the targets set out in
this vision, full understanding of potentials and opportunities for successful implementation
and clear-cut PI-ojection.He has ensured effective and efficient leadership to tackle the
challenges and mitigate eventual risks arising from the implementation, by especially
mobilizing the people from all walks of life and displaying creative implementation of the
policies.
Having witnessed that rice fields are drying up during the dry season due to insufficient
rainfalls, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN identified this as an enormous
unexl~loitedpotential. With a statesman's sharp view, the potential long hidden under some
daunting challenges has been unlocked and transformed into very rare and enormous
opportunity for development. Samdech Akka Moha Sen Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime
Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has announced his ambitious vision of transforming
Cambodia into a major exporter of "Rice - White Gold" in the near future. At the 15Ih Royal
Government - Private Sector Forum held on ~ 7April
' ~ 2010, Samdech Techo Prime Minister
instructed the Supreme National Economic Council led by Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth to draft a
"Policy Paper on the Promotion of Paddy Production and Rice Export " within one
month.
On 29'h May, 2010, the Supreme National Economic Council submitted as scheduled thc draft
policy paper to Samdech Techo Prime Minister. On 31" May, 2010, Samdech Techo Pi-ime
Minister 01-ciesecithe Committee on Economic and Financial Policies to call an urgent meeting
to collect inputs 1'1-omall concelned ministries and agencies, and fine-tune the papel to make it
more comprehensive and ensure full participation from all related ministries and agencies.
The Committee on Economic and Financial Policies met on lbth June 2010 to discuss anci
provide i.ecommendations and inputs to the draft policy paper. Afterward, the the C o ~ ~ n cof
il
Ministers. chaired by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN. 1-e\~iewedanci
approved the draft "Policy Paper on the Promotion of Paddy Production and Rice
Export'' during its plenary cabinet meeting on 251h June 2010.
The "Policy Paper on the Promotion of Paddy Production and Rice Export" aims at
promoting agiiculture development at a new pace and in a new scale that broaden and
strengthen the foundation of economic growth, while accelerating povei-ty reduction and
impi-ovins the people's livelihoods.
Indeed, the main and sole purpose of this policy paper is to increase paddy production and rice
expoi-t. This is the first important step towards the promotion of the production and expoi-t of
other agricultural products. The Royal Government expects that the success of the "Policy
Paper on the Promotion of Paddy Production and Rice Export" will give a strong political
messaze that encourages and paves the way for the promotion of other agiicultural products
such as rubber, cashew nuts, soybeans.. . and not to mention other agricultural sub-sectors
such as aquaculture etc. All of this is already embedded in the long-term, sharp and bi-illiant
vision of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN for economic development.
In this sense, full participation from all ministries and agencies of the Royal Government. as
well as other,stakeholders, including the private sector and development partners especially
the fa~mersthemselves in the successful implementation of this policy, as instructed and laid
out by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of
Cambodia during the plenary cabinet meeting on 25'h June 2010, will be vital for the pi-o~ress
and prosperity of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Keat Chhon
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance
Chaiiman of the Committee on Economic and Financial Policies
Policy Paper on
the Promotion of Paddy Production
and Rice Export
****+****
I. Introduction
1. The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has made a strong commitment to
ensure further implementation of the Rectangular Strategy-Phase I I , following a successful
efforts to lead the Cambodian economy out of the most difficult time of recent global financial
crisis and economic downturn. To this end, the RGC has embarked in earnest on promoting
the development of the agriculture sector, with emphasis on a new pace and scale with the aim
at further strengthening the foundation for economic growth, accelerating poverty reduction,
as well as improving the living standards of the Cambodian people.
2. In realizing the vision of agriculture development, the RGC has adopted a three-
pronged strategy - productivity enhancement, diversification and agricultural
comnzerciulization (from subsistence to commercial agriculture) - through implementing a
package of interrelated measures: (1) infrastructure building and enhancement (roads,
irrigations, energytelectricity and information and communication technologies (ICT); (2)
improvement in the provision of extension services and agricultural inputs; (3) land
management reform; (4) finance; ( 5 ) marketing; (6) farmer organization; and (7) institutional
building and coordination. In the current context, agricultural commercialization has become
more dynamic in lights of global economic changes due to increasing food demand and prices.
This trend bears some implications on, and revives the impetus of, paddy and other crops
production in Cambodia, which have the potential for further higher growth.
3. Cambodia has a big potential in paddy production in order to increase its rice export
in the future. To guide its vision for the preparation of economic development policy, the
RGC has an ambition to turn Cambodia into a major "rice - white gold" exporting country in
the international market. Paddy production could reach 7.3 million tons in 2010-201 1, after a
remarkable rebound over the past decade. With an estimated domestic consumption of
approximately 3.14 million tons of paddy, a provision for seeds and harvest loss, statistical
data shows a surplus of 3.32 millions, which can be processed into rice for export. However, ,
the official statistics in 2009 recorded so far only 13,000 tons of rice or 20,000 tons of paddy
Cambodia to achieve a su~plusof paddy, which will be processed into rice for esport. In this
I-ega1.d.Cambodia must build a robust, high quality and reliable rice millin: industl-y.
4. At the same time, Cambodia has a unique opportunity to expand its rice market
niche in the global markets. The global rice trade is estimated to reach 31 million tons in
2010, in which Thailand and Vietnam will remain the biggest supplier of rice export, and
Cambodia and Myanmar are expected to emerge as new leading rice-exporting countries in
the near future. With the world now facing the challenges of population &rowth. climate
chanse, and changing economic structure together with the improved living standard of
people in many developing countries, the consumption of lice is expected to rise, driving
higher demand for rice in the global markets. Furthermore, not only there are not many ]-ice-
exporting countries. with most of them in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. there are more and
more counti-ies such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia which have become rice-
importing countries. As such, this potential in global rice market will provide fresh
oppoi-tunitics for Cambodian farmers.
Second. rlic rice sector could have a big potential comparable to that of the gaiment
sector in terms of gross export value and value added generated throughout the supply chain
including employment. If I-iceexport could reach 3 million tons, the total export \,due would
amount to USD 7.1 billion (approximately 20% of GDP) or equivalent to about USD 600
million (appro~imately5% of GDP) in value added contribution to the national economy.
Provided Lve can solve the issues related to rice export in the same way as we have done for
the garment sector. we will be able to retain substantial value added in the country and the
gains generated from the process could directly contribute to economic growth. i.e. in the
fo~m
of employment for more than 70% of rural people, an income increase. and pa~-ricularlya
reduction of poverty and an improved living condition for faimers and most Cambodian
people engaging i n rural economic activities. The sector coulcl provide additionally a
mechanism for equitable I-edisti-ibution of economic gains, and have spillover effects on
broader eco~iornic activities, which could lead to a complete change in the image of
Cambodia's rural economy.
Third, the promotion of rice export is the first step to catalyse the export of other
agricultural products such as rubber and other crops. In the current context. we are mindful of
the need to focus on this policy to address one issue at a time so as to ensure that set measures
are effective and efficient and not to overstretch the capacity and financial resources of the
various ministries and agencies responsible for its implementation. Though the RGC has
greater ambition, we are of the view that working on too many products at the same time will
overstretch our limited resources and capacity, which could lead ultimately to ineffectiveness
and inefficiency. Parallely, the success of the implementation of rice expoit policy will send a
strong political message. with the effect of encouraging and paving the way for the export
promotion of other agricultural crops.
6. In this context, the RGC will lay out its vision and strategy encompassing concrete
short term policy measures to be implemented immediately, and providinz a medium to long
term policy direction to promote rice export both in teims of quantity and branding of
Cambodian lice in the global market and setting up institutional all-angements u~ithclear
responsibilities asslgned to ministries/institutions so as to ensure a rigorous implementation of
this impoitant policy.
7. The vision of the RGC is to transform Cambodia into a "rice basket" and a major
rice-expul-tlng country in the global market. In this regard, the RGC has set the year 2015 as
the target year to: (1) achieve paddy surplus of more than 4 million tons and achieve rice
export of at least 1 million ton; and (2) ensure the international recognition of Cambodian
rice. In implementing this initiative, the RGC will adhere to the following key principles:
8. The RGC will implement the strategy to promote paddy production and export
based on two important approaches:
First, for the short and immediate term, promoting paddy production to meet market
demand and promote rice export by shifting from the informal export of paddy to a formal
rice export. These measures include: (1) additional investment and expansion of irrigation
facilities, promoting the use of water, seed, fertilizers and appropriate technologies, and
provision of micro credit to rice producers; (2) encouragement of private sector participation,
Second. for the medium and long term, to focus on enhancing competitiveness in rice
espoi-t through the following: promotion of production technology; management of soil
fertility; management of water. seeds and fertilizers; organization of farmer associations;
quality rice processing: physical infrastructure including roads, railways, seaports, energy
sources; land use management; short- and long term credit; trade facilitation; and exploiing
market oppol-tunities.
9. In general. the developlnents in global rice market together with Cambodia's sound
maci-oeconomic stability, an open investment climate and a liberal trade policy have created
an overarching environment conducive to the supply chain and iice export. Konetheless.
Cambodia still faces a number of key challenges and obstacles in the supply chain. especially
in the management of agricultural land, cultivation techniques and other inputs. the lack of
infrastructure, finance and institution, to name a few. While some challenges can be easily
addressed resulting in immediate outcomes, the others require more time and substantial
investment. (See detailed analysis in Appendix 1).
10. The global rice trade in 2010 is estimated at around 31.3 million tons. compared to
29.7 million tons in 2009. However, the import demand of medium and low-quality I-ice has
been on the increase in Asia. due to the compounding effects of unfavol-able weather
conditions in the Philippines, crop failures and subsidy reduc~ionon fei-tilizei-s in Indonesia.
and the requirement by some countries in the region to fill their reserve stock. I t is estimated
that iice trade in Asia may reach 14.5 million tons in 2010, while the lice price may increase
and fluctuate. Overall, the regional and global rice ti-ade has high growth potential for the
Policy Paper 011 the Promotion of Paddy Production and Rice Export 5
medium and long term, despite some downside risks stemming frorii pl-~cefluctuations as a
result of changing econornic and political landscape throughout the globe. The potential for
inci-easine ]-Ice trade could be attributed to factors such as population and econornic gl-o\vth.
the cI.f'ei~\0 1 glol>;~l~tation
that irnply changes in lifestyle and taste in ]-ice consumption. Still.
much 01. tlie global nce rnarkets are protected and highly subsidized due to its political
sensitivity and traditions, which consider paddy growing as being impoi-tant In the context of
their national religion and food security. Nevertheless, such developments pl-o\,ide an p o d
o p ~ o ~ t u n i foi-
t y C~tmbodia'srice export into the global rnarkets.
3.2. Challenges
A. Issues affecting paddy production
11. The suiplus of paddy for expoi-t remains limited. If Cambodia w,islies to export rice
fi-om 3 to 4 million tons per year, we have to produce paddy at least 10 to 1 1 million tons.
This requires us to address a number of challenges constraining productivity such as land
management. irrigation system, research and extension services. intcnsil'ication. and
01-g~unizationof farmers. to mention a few.
12. The paddy prices that Cambodian fa]-mers receive is 35%-30% lo\i,e~-than tlie
prices that Thai and Vietnamese farmers have enjoyed. This low price could be pel-cei\,edas a
inain element of export competitiveness but i t is diluted by the time I-icc caches (lie ports
due to informal fees. high ti-anspor-t arid processing costs. In fact. exporting unprocessed ]-ice
is a significant loss of value added for the economy. If the processing could be 1-etained in the
country. Cambodia could generate a lot of gains in terms of broken rice, husk and brain that
could spin off other economic activities such as cooking oil production. aquaculture and
animal husbandry in addition to other related benefits arising from job creation and incomc
generation. With additional investment in modern rice milling facilities. C~~iiibodia
could
pi-oduce more high-quality rice for the growing international rnarkets and gain international
recognition for its lice standard. In this context, the RGC still faces a number of critical
impediments \i1hic1i need to be addressed in order to improve the value added in Camlwdia's
rice \,slue chain, i.e. high cost of energy and transport, high cost of and dif'ficult acccss to
credit.
13. -1'tic in:ljor obstacle to the promotion of Cambodian rice e?;po~-t is expol-t
f a c i l i r ~ ~ ~\: ~iiliti
o ~ i .so l;u- has not been smooth and consistent, whether we I-efel-to the hard
system including tr~inspo11infrastructure, seaports, warehouses 01- the soft system ~ncluding
trade facilitation. support institutions, quality standards, Sanitation and Phyto-sanitation
Standard (SPS). etc. The crucial issues that need to be I-esolved include a weah institutional
. a rice qi~alitynot yet I-ecognized inte~mationally,and a limited seapoi-t infrastructure.
s~111po1-t
15. In order to achieve the vision of transforming Cambodia into a "rice basket" and a
majoi- rice exporting country in the world, the RGC has launched a <<Policyon the promotion
of paddy prodzlctiorz and rice export>>on top of other measures adopted so far so as to ensure
the implemcnt:ition of low hanging policy measures (for implementation i n 2010 and 201 1)
and paving the way for the implementation of medium and long term nieasul-es to ensure
sustainability and prozress in processing and exporting Cambodian rice. The success of this
policy will also act as a lead catalyst to the export promotion of other products in general. Thc
earlier-mentioned medium and long term measures constitute a common policy framework to
guide future implementation .
b
Illcrease paddy prodzictivity by rising high yield seed arzd nloderll farming
techniqzles: The practical measures include:
Facilitating i ~ n p o ~procedures
l for rice seeds. fertilizers and agriculture
inputs and machinery and continuing to provide tax incentives for the
Policy Paper or1 tlze Pror~zotiorzqf Paddy Prodrlctiorz arzd Rice Export 7
import of materials and equipments.
Provide incentives to local seed producei-s and distributors through the
following: ( I ) a determination by the Ministry of Agi-iculture. Forestry, and
Flshel-y (MAFF) of a numbel- of prioritized rice varieties to be pi-omoted
and disseminated by the end of 2010; a preparation of a legal framework
and mechanisms by MAFF to promote seed production and distribution by
the end of 2010; (2) additional strengthening and expansion of the capacity
of the Cambodia Agriculture Research and Development Institute
(CARDI), the Agricultural Experimentation Station, the Agi-icultui-al
Development Center and the Center for Seed Production. Rcsearcll and
Technical Training.
MAFF must review the framework for agriculture extension, including
projects financed jointly by development partners and the RGC in order to
lay out necessary measures to ensure consistency and efficiency of this
service delivery.
Maximizing the use of existing Lvater resources in the system. In the future,
attention should be focused on economic efficiency and sustainability of
the projects; Investing in small-scale irrigation netwosk to benefit from
existing or future large scale ~nigationfacilities.
Encoui-aging NGOs and charitable people to participate in building small-
scale inigation canals.
Strengthening institutional capacity of MOWRAM in the maintenance and
management of water user communities.
A. Quick-win measures
10 Policy Puper on the Promotion of Paddy Pvodu ctiolz ulld Rice Expol-t
Doubling the capital of the Agliculture Development and Suppol? Fund
(ADSF) from 18 million USD to 36 million USD. at the latest. in 201 i .
De\.eloping a Credit Guarantee Scheme to guarantee loans fsom
iomn1e1-c~al
hanks to companies and paddy collectors at the latest in 201 1.
Cooperat~ngwith development pal-tners to set up a Risk Sharing Facility. at
the latest in 201 1. Its objective is to encourage commercial banks to extend
loans to agriculture processing activities and small and medium ente~prises
(SMEs) in general.
Provide support and strengthen the Rice Miller Association: the RGC will
provide special treatment to the Rice Miller Association (RMA) in the same way
that it has suppoi-ted the Garment Manufacturer Association in Cambodia (GMAC)
i n the ga~mentsector and i t recognizes the import~antrole of the RMA for mai-kct
access and protection of fammers' benefits and iniprovins rice processing capacity
to increase value added for rice expost.
A. Quick-win measures
Enhance trade facilitation, reduce informal fees and eliminate illegal check
points: MEFIGeneral Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE). MAFF and
MoCIGenei-a1 Department of CAMCONTROL and rele\rant agencies shall:
develop a specific strategy to identify and streamline export processing procedures
including inspection, documentation requirements. fees and tirne required to process
expoit applications; define clear and publicly transparent di\,ision of responsibilities
among export regulating ministries/agencies; consider rice expo12 as a top priority in
01-der to reduce to a minimum informal payments and time required to export by
extending "special treatment" similar to the garment sector.
Implement a single-stop service for export processing: MEFIGDCE. MAFF and
MoCI CAMCONTROL and relevant agencies shall set up a Single Stop Service
for export processing and issuing certificates for SPS, fumi~ation,grading and
quality. quantity and weight, and customs declaration.
Address grading and quality standards in compliance with internationally-
recognized standards: MAFF, MoC and MIME shall create an independent
certifying body or encourage well-known international independent ceilifying
institutions to issue certificates on grading and quality as required by importing
countries. MIME through the Cambodia Standard Institute (CSI) shall coopei-ate
with MoC and MAFF to define grading and standards of Cambodian rice and
collaborate with the private sector to enforce those standards in the rice market, as
well as to seek technical capacity to achieve the required standards.
Encourage the construction of Phnom Penh Port and bonded warehouse: In
order to diversify and identify potential rice export markets. taking into account the
zeographic locations of rice production, ti-anspoi-t modalities and expoi-t
destinations, the RGC will promote the use of Phnom Penh Port as an exit point,
using feeder ships to load and transfer shipments into mothei- ships in a third
country including Preah Sihanoi~kVille Port. Moreover. the RGC will encourage
12 Policy Paper orz the Promolio11 of Puddy Production urzd Rice Exporl
the construction of bonded warehouses in Cambodia to facilitate transpo~tationand
distribution.
Formulate strategic and legal framework with a special focus on sanitary and
phyto-sanitary standards:
Develop new legislations and regulations which are lacking and amend the
existing legal framework and regulations.
Draft a Law on Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Standards and related sub-decrees
and prakas, enforcement as well as capacity strengthening of relevant officials.
Establish and strengthen a sound sanitary and phyto-sanitary certification
system: To improve food security in Cambodia and promote rice export,
MLME, MAFF, MoC and the Ministry of Health (MoH) shall define a common
sanitary and phyto-sanitary strategy with clear division of responsibilities. The
ministries in charge shall strengthen human resource capacity and technical
capability of existing laboratories to conduct tests and inspection, as well as
enforce sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures. MAFF, MIME and MOC shall
study the grading and quality requirements of different rice markets to propose
options to address the issue of sanitation and phyto-sanitation certification,
including the possibility of establishing an independent institution with
participation from private sector.
Strengthen the capacity and infrastructure for SPS inspection at MAFF and
other concerned ministrieslagencies through establishment of referral
laboratories which are equipped with the state-of-the-art technology, establish
a branch network of laboratories in different provinces of Cambodia and at
border check points, and build capacity of concerned staff to facilitate quick
inspection and issue SPS certificates which are inteinationally recognized.
Invest in necessary infrastructure to reduce the costs of export: The Ministry
of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and other conceined m~nistrieslagencies
shall prepare plan of actions to reduce infrastructure-related costs of export
including costs related to transportation, port handling, storage. port operations and
other service charges by assessing the possibility of investing in inti-astructure,
Explore export opportunities in regional and global markets: MoC shall carry
out a comprehensive study on Cambodia's potential markets for rice, and
disseminate the results to wider stakeholders. In the meantime. MoC shall lead
dcle,oations, consisting of representatives fi-om concerned ministries/agencies and
I-ice export companies, to negotiate the sale to the Philippines, cxplol-e
opportunities to export rice to Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei. ilnd othcr potential
imponing countries in Europe.
Establish a Rice Mar-ket Irztelligeuce Unit: MoC. MAFF and the private sector
sliall collabo~-ateand consider options for establishing a Rice Market Irltelligerrce
Unit. which includes the current MAFF and MOC's n~echanisms. or a joint
~ovemn~ent-private
sector an-angement or a separate private sector mechanism, in
order to establish a body to provide info~mationand analysis on regional and
global rice markets.
L
prod~iction.processing, expoi-t and trade. This will facilitate and support rice
mil1ei.s and farmer organizations with extension services and contract farming as
well as the introduction of proactive and timely response measui-es.
V. Risk Management
16. The RGC is well aware of the risks that could impair or undermine the
effecri~enessof these measures during implementation. Thus, this document \\ill suggcst
safeguard measul-es and guidance to deal with the anticipated risks.
First. paddy production is largely subject to weather conditions and climate change as
well as the unpredictability of Mekong River's water level in the dry season. Jni~estmentin
in-ization system remains limited, and the stock of water, distribution and in-igation arc also
subjcct to the climate factor. Therefore, unpredictable change in climate could directly impact
paddy production in Cambodia. Knowledge about the types, features, scale and frequency of
the cnlamilies can help us to prepare ourselves to better cope with the eventual catastrophcs,
and the attention should be given to implement mitigation and adaptation stratezy to reduce
adverse impact and adapt to climate change.
Policy Paptlr 011 the Pro~rlotiorlof Paddy Production and Rice Export 15
Second, higher oil prices will have direct affect on production, processing, and
transportation of rice. As a result, Cambodia's competitiveness could be undermined since
Cambodia's energy sector depends on imported petroleum. Thus, focus should be on
managlny ebtments in the energy sector and the efficiency of EDC operations. In the
~ n k
future, Cambodla will diversify its energy sources to reduce the cost of energy and heavy
reliance on petroleum products. In the context of high oil prices, the RGC will take necessary
actions, such as those implemented, to reduce the direct impacts on fa~mers and rice
processing industry.
Third: the rice market is highly protected. Policy changes in rice-importing countries
could have direct impact on the demand for import and prices. The RGC will strengthen its
diplomacy to foster good relations with rice-importing countries aiming to reduce the risk.
Fourth, the opening up of the rice markets to promote export would cause an increase
in domestic prices. and the traditional mechanism of food stoclung will become weak
threatening national food security. Speculation in the rice market, through stockpiling to
manipulate prices, can affect the living conditions of faimers and food security. In this
regard. assessment of domestic and international market situation is very crucial for planning
production, import of inputs and export including the regulation of prices. The RGC will be
vigilant and take necessary actions to safeguard national food security and maintain price
stability.
Fifth, the gains from this policy may not be shared directly with fammers: the benefit
could be captured by middlemen, exporters and suppliers of agricultural inputs. The RGC
adopts a market principle with fair and just competition ensuring participation by all
concerned parties. Since farnlers have limited capacity, the RGC will try its best to help train
them and ensure their concerns being addressed in a participatory approach.
Sixth. paddy development areas can have high use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides and destruction of forest and flooded forest to expand cultivation land could affect
the ecological system. Thus, the RGC will pay high attention and take appropi-iate actions
preserve the ecosystem and strike a balance between development and envii-onmental
conservation, aiming at ensuring sustainable development.
VII. Co~lclusion
18. Though the current global rice market is highly protected, Cambodia is blessed
with oppo~-tunityto expoi-t rice in the future thanks to the increase in domestic paddy
production and the potential in the world rice trade. So far, the peifoimance of a?]-iculture is
outst;tnclin_~especially in terms of productivity improvement and diversification. due to
steadfast effoi-ts of the RGC and all stakeholders including the participation of faimer-s.
19. In fact, high growth in agricultural sector will benefit most Cambodian people
who are fai-mess with their living standard improved. Thus. the RGC is committed to
promoting paddy production and removing all constraints to rice export fsoin Cambodia.
Indeed. the success of this policy will depend on actual implementa~ion: and the task is
complex and hard to achieve, yet it really requires cooperation. coordination and strong
commitment especially by way of improving the leadership and management of all concemed
Policy Pciper or1 tlrc Prornotiorl of Paddy Production arid Rice E-vport 17
ministnes/agencies and stakeholders.
20. The RGC is strongly convinced that all rninistiies/agencies of the RGC and other
stahttt1olde1-5. ~nciudin_gthe private sector- and development partners. and pai-ticular!y
Cambodian tai-mers across the country, will join nands in pursuing this mission to bring about
developnienr, progress, and prosperity to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
****+ *...*...
<..-I -I:
1. I11 spite of tul-bulences. the volume of international lice trade is estimated to reach
31.3 million tons in 3010, a slight increase from 29.7 million tons in 2009. Demand for low
and medium grade rice in Asia will grow this year as the Philippines faces severe ~veatlier
conditions, Indonesian goveinment cut down subsidies on fertilizers and Asian g ~ \ ~ e ~ n n ~ e n t s
bump up their rice I-eserves.Rice trade volume may reach 14.5 million tons in Asia. Demand
in Africa is pi-ojected to decrease while Latin America may see a slight increase. especially in
Bixzil. The piice is predicted to be high and volatile.
2. In general, most I-ice producing countries also import rice. Two factors explain the
trade volume increase of rice, namely the production changes caused by climate change
andlor changes in economic structure. and supply shortage caused by population and
economic gro\vth. China and Indonesia are big rice producers in Asia but they also import
I-iceas their population and economic growth have driven the demand up. India is cul-I-entlya
maj01. pi-oduce~-
and exporter of rice, althoi~ghchanges in production structui-e driven by high
21-owth. increase in households' wealth and population boom mizht transforn~this country
into a I-iceimporter.
3. Ssnie countries, especially European countries, do not produce I-ice but changes in
prefereiice/taste can also create demand for rice, estimated annually at one million tons. Rice
could be also espoited to the Middle East countries such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and so
forth. As the oil price trend continue to rise, demand for rice in these oil-dominated
economies increases accordingly. Africa, whose accelerated growth is driven with
international donors support, represents also a significant share of global rice demand. In
sum. as long as growth continue, the global demand for rice is expected to rise, pa~-ticulai-lyin
Asia: which drives the global growth.
4. Southeast Asian countries, in particular Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmai- are the
largest rice exporters. The US ranks third in the global rice expoilei-s, follou.ed by Pakistan
and India. With the surplus of 3.5 million tons of paddy (equivalent to 2 million tons of rice).
Cambodia can be among the top five rice exporters in the world. Moreover. as Cambodia's
rice expo11 I-epr-esentsless than 10% of the global market share, its emel-gin: presence will
5. However. factors ranging from high political sensiti\,ity. the need to preserve
traditional paddy cultivation method and assurance of national food secui-ity have made
global rice ma]-ket heavily protected and subsidized. The volume of global rice tl-ade is way
below the actual demand. Tariff, quota and special treatment measures have been iiscd in the
global iice market. Taiwan provides access through taiiff quotas amountin: to 6 5 o! thcir
consumption. Columbia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Morocco, Thailand and Venezueia us: both
tariff and quota measures. China opened a large tariff quota up to 4 million inetl-ic tons a year
at a 1% duty rate.
6. In some ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines. Vietnam and
Cambodia. iice is categorized as a highly sensitive product. Indonesia has bound an MFN rate
for rice at Rp. 430lkilo; Malaysia exempts all tariffs but license must be acquii-ed prior to
import; Thailand has a bound rate at Bath3.00lkilo and a Common Effectii'e Preferential
Taiiff (CEPT) applied rate at 5 % ; and Vietnam maintains NIFN bound rates at 40% or 50%
(for parboiled rice) with its 2004 CEPT rate applied at IS%, reducing to 5 % for 2005.
Cambodia did not include iice in the list of tariff exemption under " Early Har\,est PI-ogi-am"
with China.
11. Challenges
11.1. Paddy Productiorz
7. Paddy su~plusis still limited. Should Cambodia want to expo11 3 to 4 million tons of
rice. Cambodia must boost its paddy production to at least 10 to 11 million tons per yeas. To
attain this objective, the following issues must be addressed:
A. Low productivity - the paddy yield is relatively low compared to the neighbol-ing
countries with similar weathel- and soil condition. In 2006, the a\,erage yield in
Cambodia was 2.6 tonslhectare while Thailand, Laos and Vietnam achiel'ed 2.8 tons,
3.5 tons and 4.9 tons respectively. As the room for expansion of rice field is very
limited: especially for late-maturing paddy rice. we must improve producti\!ity on the
existing cultivated areas, i.e. thl-ough intensification approach. Quich and simple
B. Land issue - In general, we have observed the following issues: lands are generally
underutilized; crops do not suit the soil conditions; and arable areas are used either for
other puiyoses or left unused. We can improve the efficiency of land utilization by
creating zonins for agriculture, industry, tourism, residential areas, and sanctuary. Crop
mapping can also boost rice production as investors can rely on the information to
make informed decision. Moreover, only around 10% of farmers have land titles. Aside
from legal assurance of ownership, land titles can be used as collateral to borrow fund
from micro-finance institutions. Land titling will also motivate farmers to invest more
on their lands.
C. Rice intensification - Most Cambodian faimers cultivate paddy once per year in
rainy seasons, while farmers in Vietnam's delta region cultivate 3.5 times. With limited
possibility for paddy rice field expansion, boosting production could only be done
through an increase of rice cultivation frequency per year. To achieve this target, the
Goveinment will encourage more investment in irrigation systems to suppoi-t the
expansion of early-maturing paddy field. Water management is the key to productivity
impi-ovement as Cambodia is prone to drought and flood. We will leain fi-om the
Vietnam's delta region and promote the use of economically efficient water
manasement methods that are appropriate for Cambodia.
D. Farmer organizations - In the past, suppoi-t for the agriculture sector was largely
based on supply side, and little attention was given to the demand and the role of
Palmers. Most farmers are good listeners and hard workers but they lack adequate
technical knowledge, technologies and financial resources. Inexperienced in dealing
with the markets, the farmers' needs are complicated and multi-facetted. ranging from
capacity building to transfer of technologies, production inputs, credit to market access.
Assistance provided to individual farmer is costly and inefficient in the areas of credit,
production inputs and market infoimation. Assistance provided to the community will
be more systematic, cost-effective and more efficient. For example, farmers can cope
with drought much better if they jointly own water pumping machines 01- irrigation
systems within a faimer community framework.
7
Ar~r~ex
I: Regioi~ul/GlobalMilled Rice .Warket arzd Challenges 21
11.2. Paddy Processing and Trade in Rice
8. The price of Cambodian paddy is 30% to 40% cheaper than its neighbors, Thailand
and Vietnam. This low profit margin is a competitive advantage but the effects of unofficial
fees, high transportation costs combined with high processing costs reduce its significance.
Exporting paddy is a lost proposition. If processed domestically, some by-products such as
broken rice, husk and bran can be used as important inputs for aquaculture and animal feed,
which could generate extra income for farmers. With additional investment in modem rice
mril facrlities, Cambodia could increase its production of quality rice for the growing
international market and boost the reputation and international recognition of Cambodian rice
standards. To that effect , the Royal Government needs to address the foliowing issues to
Increase domestic value-added:
A. High electricity price - electricity represents 25% of the total processing costs,
reducing substant~aliy Cambodia's competitive advantage and the s~tuatioi:could be
worse taking into account the high and volatile oil price. High energy price is an
obstacle to the expansion of the irrigation systems. In the low land Mekong plains,
petraleurn products are used to generated energy to pump water into irrigation canals.
High energy prices limit the ability of farmers to plant two paddy crops a year and to
increase yields. For instance, urban dwellers pay 18 - 20 cents per kwh, compared to
the rural dwellers who are forced to pay up to 30 - 90 cents. In Vietnam the rate is at 10
cents. Unreliable supply and high electricity price force rice millers to use their own
diesel generators, which cost them only 12.60 dollars or 2.2% per ton of rice, compared
to 23.38 dollars or 4.1% per ton if electricity is used instead.
C. Lack of access to and high cost of credit - Lack of access to, and high cost of,
credit decrease domestic value-added and hinder rice export. Limited access to credit,
Cainbodia's sound and vibrant banking system where a large amount of credit lines are
available. the cap~taland financing costs is not expected to be a probiem. The concern:,
relate more to bank intermediasies who do not clearly appreciate the risks and expectec
I-etui-nsfsom agricultiu-e investments, as the majority of bankers are still of the view thai
~~gricultu~-e
is a high iisk and low return sector. Moreover, lack of bon-o\\,e~-s'
financiai
~nfoimationand records sender the tasks of bankers more difficult to assess their status
and repayment capacity.
9. Despite Cambodia'shuge potential for expanding its paddy production. Cambodia I:>
constrained by its small domestic markets. The export of rice could be considel-ed botn as ar:
oppoi-tunity and a challenge, as our export facilitation system, both soft and hard componeni,
remain inconsistent and fragmentcd. Hard components I-efer to transport infrastructure:.
poi-ts. rui-a1 soads. warehouses and so foilh. Sofi components include trade facilita~ior,.
institu~ionalSLIPPOI-t.
quality standards, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measui-es, and so folzk.
The following issues related to export need to be addressed:
t ~ m c while
. thls unpredictabiiily poses an important risk for them ir, terms ot rimel;
f'ulfili~ngtheir contractual obligations with their foi-eign partners. In general. hot!-.
official and i~nofficiaifees and the transpoll cosrs o: nce irom rice milis to poi-ts a:-:
high. \vitr:
11.4. Market
10. Rice market is heavily protected and import procedures vary from country to country.
As Cambodia is a new player in rice market, it must face a steep learning curve and it needs
to Improve its export capacity to penetr'ate the inteinational market.
Rice I'roduction -
productivity by rcsitig - Facilitate import clearance procedures for rice - Ministry of Economy and
high yield seed and tnodern seeds, fertilizers, agricultural inputs and machinery Finance (MEF)
farrnitig techniques - Continue providing tax incentives to encourage - Ministry of Agriculture,
imports of materials and equipment Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
Arrrre.~11: Policy Measaslires for Prornotiorr of Paddy Rice Productiorl arrd Milled Rice Export 25
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rep~-esentativesof relevant ~ninislriesand rice - Relevant entltlcs
exporting companies to negotiate the sale of rice to
the Philippines
- Explore oppol-tunilies to export rice to Malaysia,
Indonesia, I31.unci.and other potential importing
- in Europe
countries
- Consider options for establishing - a Rice Market -MoC
Establishirlg a Rice Market
Intelligerzce Unit Intelligence Unit to provide information and -MAFF
analysis on regional and global rice markets - Private Sector
-- -
Develop arrangements for - ~ i ~ s e n ~ i nmarket
a t e information - MoC
;irtnex It: Policy Measnre\.fi)rProrrrotiorr (?/'PaddyRice Productiorr orril Milled Rice Export
Post-hawest assumption:
Production assumption:
Cultivated area for wet season paddy: Total arable land for wet season paddy is
estimated to be 2.4 hectares in 2009, of which cultivated area (plowed and
planted) and double cropping (twice per year round) represents 93.5'10 and 1-4%
respectively . We assume that cultivated areas could be maintained around 93%
and could reach 95% in 2015. As the cultivated areas are subject to wea~hei-
conditions and farmers' responses, we assume that double-cropping area could
increase gradually from 4.2% to 5% in 2015 thanks to an increase in investment in
iirigation system.
Cultivated area for dry season paddy: The cultivated areas for dry season paddy
have expanded to 385,000 hectares in 2009. With additional investment in
Irrigation system, the land area for dry season rice could be further expanded to
480,000 hectares by 2015.
Increase in yields: Histoiical data of the last ten years shows the yield of wet and
dry season paddy grew annually at an average of 4.42% and 7.2S% respectively.
However, , growth rate of both yields is expected to diminish in the future wilh
the assumption of a 3% annual increase for wet season paddy yield and reaching
its peak at 3 tons per hectare, and a 7.28% annual increase for dry season paddy
yield and reaching its peak at 5.5 tons per hectare.
Production loss: A decade-long data shows an average annual loss of wet season
paddy and dry season paddy at 10% and 5 % respectively due to weather
conditions and destruction by grass hoppers.
- -
( ('ulti\ ateci areas o i bet
I season paddy (Million
hectare)
-C --
I Cultivated areas of d~ I
0.85
1 Total production
(Million Metric Ton)
I
1 7.18 j
I
7.59
1
_t_-__-
3.081 3.09
i (Million Metric Ton) I
/ Paddy for export
I
I I
Source: Rice Market Monitor Volurne XIII, Issue I , April 2009, The Food aizcl Agricultrtre
Organization (FAO)