Phnom penh: Banteay Meanchey province has initiated a free distribution of vegetable and mixed crop seeds, a significant move aimed at promoting the cultivation of safe, quality produce among families, schools, and communities, particularly in the Cambodia-Thailand border region.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the distribution event took place on the Oct. 20 afternoon, at Nimit Sothiram pagoda (Wat Kon Domrey) in Poipet city, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Vong Sandap, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Head of the Secretariat of Cambodia Food Reserve System Management Committee (CFRS).
Attending the event were Mr. Khlok Nuoy, Deputy Governor of Banteay Meanchey province, along with numerous relevant officials and residents. In his address, H.E. Dr. Vong Sandap emphasised that the programme’s primary goal is to spur the widespread cultivation of safe vegetables in households, schools, and communities, especially in border areas.
He highlighted that the initiative directly contributes to improving people’s livelihoods by enabling them to grow their own safe and high-quality food, thereby reducing daily expenses and strengthening household food security. The Secretary of State further underscored the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strong commitment, under the leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to promoting and supporting programmes that ensure both food safety and sustainable livelihoods for the populace.
Representing the provincial administration, Mr. Khlok Nuoy expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, noting that the seed distribution is a powerful incentive for local residents, especially those along the border, to utilise available land around their homes and schoolyards for cultivation. He urged citizens, schools, and communities to actively participate in planting and maintaining these crops, ensuring a consistent supply of safe, nutritious daily food for their families and students.
The programme was met with enthusiasm from beneficiaries. Ms. Chea Sokhom, a resident of Sangkat Nimit, shared her appreciation: ‘These seeds are very important for my family. They not only help reduce our daily vegetable expenses, but most importantly, we can grow safe vegetables for our children. I will plant them right away, and I sincerely thank the Prime Minister and the Royal Government for caring about the health and livelihoods of people like us.’
This free seed distribution programme serves not only to supply essential agricultural inputs but also to underscore the Royal Government’s continued dedication to strengthening household economies and improving public health across Cambodia.