Cambodian farmers, the backbone of the country’s economy and food security, face persistent and deepening poverty. Low agricultural prices and a lack of market opportunities force them into crippling debt, often resulting in land confiscation. Many farmers are left with no choice but to migrate to Thailand for low-paying jobs to survive and repay their debts, draining rural areas of labor and undermining agricultural productivity.
The Cambodian government has implemented a rice price support policy intended to stabilize farmer incomes, but it has proven ineffective. This policy relies on loans to private rice millers, often linked to the political elite, who prioritize profits over fair pricing for farmers. As a result, farmers continue to struggle while intermediaries benefit disproportionately.
