Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 20 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shared six recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, during the announcement of the 5th and 6th priority policy programs of the seventh-mandate Royal Government on Monday (Nov. 20) at the Ministry.

In order to ensure the success of the implementation of the priority policies as well as the vision of agricultural development, Samdech shared six recommendations as follow:

1. The Joint Working Group overseeing the agricultural production value chain, an inter-ministerial mechanism aimed at preserving the equilibrium of agricultural prices, must proactively monitor daily trends in key agricultural prices. The group should assess the implications for both farmers and consumers comprehensively and establish clear principles for requesting immediate intervention if deemed necessary. Simultaneously, the working group must expedite the formulation of collaborative Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols, aligning with market economy principles, to facilitate effective interventions that support farmers and the agricultural sector.

2. In the process of appointing commune/sangkat agriculture officials, the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Public Works, and Economy and Finance must collaboratively conduct transparent competitions that prioritize capacity and well-being. Recruitment should be inclusive, welcoming candidates with relevant agricultural knowledge and skills, coupled with the capability to effectively operate at the local level. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries should take into account accommodation and livelihood considerations, ensuring active participation and support from sub-national administrations, particularly commune authorities where the officials will be stationed.

3. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shall lead, manage, and guide agricultural officials, while also organizing ongoing training programs to ensure sustained effectiveness.
4. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is mandated to enhance collaboration with various ministries, institutions, capitals, provinces, local authorities, development partners, and the private sector. This intensified cooperation aims to actively mobilize essential support resources, with a specific focus on human resources and financial backing, crucial for advancing the modernization of the farming community.

5. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, alongside relevant ministries and institutions, must collaborate to formulate targeted strategies for bolstering competition in the agricultural sector. This includes a dedicated focus on eliminating any impediments that hinder farmers and the private sector from engaging in fair market competition.

6. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, along with relevant ministries, shall conduct a thorough examination to identify challenges and develop specific strategies aimed at enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Cambodian agricultural products, both raw and processed. The objective is to ensure that Cambodian products are authentically high-quality, safe for consumption, and economically accessible to consumers.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei urged collaboration among relevant ministries and the establishment of a mechanism to ensure effective planning and delegation of tasks.
=FRESH NEWS