Project Overview
The Smart Agriculture Project is an initiative supported by the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), under the visionary leadership of H.E Dr. Kao Thach, Delegate of the Royal Government of Cambodia in charge as Chief Executive Officer of ARDB. The project was approved for implementation on March 14, 2023, and is located in Prek Thmey Village, Chey Thom Commune, Ksach Kandal District, Kandal Province. The project aims to support the implementation of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s policies by creating jobs, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and contributing to poverty reduction. It focuses on four main objectives:

  • Provide training on safe vegetable cultivation in net houses, in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards
  • Strengthen market linkages between farmers and collectors through contract farming.
  • Promote the use of green energy to reduce environmental impacts
  • Create jobs for local communities

Value

  • Facilitate technical support for safe vegetable cultivation in net houses.
  • Provide accommodation for project participants and
  • Offer loans with low interest rates and flexible payment methods.

Beneficiary

The project offers farmers from all provinces the opportunity to participate in safe vegetable cultivation in net houses, with a particular focus on those residing in Kandal Province. To be eligible, farmers shall meet the following criteria:

  • Be identified as poor households, migrant workers, or members of other vulnerable groups
  • Have a genuine willingness to engage in vegetable cultivation
  • Demonstrate active commitment to participating in the project
  • Hold a permanent residence
  • Prior experience and skills in agriculture are preferred

Supporting activities
The project has set up a farm, spanning over 12 hectares, equipped with the following infrastructure:

  • A training and conference hall for agricultural skills development
  • Housing for farmers
  • Net houses for safe vegetable cultivation and nurseries
  • Ponds for water storage and solar-powered wells
  • Roads and drainage systems within the farm

Achievement

In 2024, the Smart Agriculture Project has created 20 jobs for farmers, and 72 net houses has been constructed (10m x 25m/NH) for safe vegetable cultivation. The project currently supplies an average of 4.3 tons of safe vegetables to the local market each month. Furthermore, plans are underway to expand the project and recruit additional farmers to participate in its implementation.