Dry Season Rice in Cambodian Provinces Affected by Water Shortages and Floods

More than 300 hectares of dry season rice in Kampong Cham’s Cheung Prey and Batheay districts have been affected by a lack of water. On the other hand, flash floods in Kampong Thom province have begun to recede, reducing some of the damage to the affected crops.

Around 40 of the 327 hectares of dry season rice in four communes of Cheung Prey district have been damaged due to water shortages during the rainy season. The administration reported, “More than 300 hectares of rice in these four communes are facing a water shortage due to the dry season, as the water source is far from the area.”

Provincial governor Un Chana led a team to inspect the situation and find solutions to the shortages in the two districts. Water from the Teuk Cha irrigation system in Prey Chhor district was released and some old canals were also restored according to Chanda’s directives. Additionally, provincial authorities have prepared rice seeds for farmers to replant in areas where crops have been damaged.

According to Batheay district governor Phen Sophal, more than 5,000 hectares of dry season rice were planted across 12 communes with about 1,000 hectares of them affected by the lack of water.

“The affected rice hasn’t been damaged yet, and there was some rain today. However, if it doesn’t rain for another week to 10 days, the crops may be at risk,” he said, pointing out that while water shortages occurred almost every year, they are usually not severe.

The provincial governor has also instructed the provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, along with the Department of Water Resources and Meteorology, to work together to pump water and save the crops.

Meanwhile, the flash floods in Kampong Thom province are beginning to recede. The province was the hardest hit by the natural disaster.

Pen Vanrinth, provincial agriculture department director, reported that the floodwaters have started to withdraw after about five days without rain. However, the floods have already caused significant damage with around 4,500 hectares of more than 7,000 hectares of rice crops impacted.

“The water has been receding for about five days. Unfortunately, the rice that was submerged for an extended period has been damaged. As of now, approximately 4,500 hectares of rice are damaged, with most of the destruction occurring in Kampong Svay district. Only the recently flooded rice has a chance of survival,” Vanrith said.

“In Kampong Cham, some dry season rice is suffering due to a lack of water, but in Kampong Thom, we’re dealing with overflows. This is the reality of climate change,” he added.