24/02/2016

Farmers' field day to change farming practices

Farmers' field day to change farming practices

SNV in partnership with Cambodian Farmer Association of Agricultural Producers organised a Farmers' Field day to showcase a climate smart vegetable garden to local government officials and surrounding farmers from Basak Commune in Svay Chrum district of Svay Rieng province in Cambodia.

The event organised on September 6 brought together farmers, women members of vegetable producer groups, commune chief, commune councillors and village chiefs to exchange knowledge and practical experience in climate smart agriculture. "We want the farmers to pick out the best variety of vegetables after analysing the growth patterns, resistance to pests and droughts, and water uptake," said Pot Kimsan, a local government official from Basak commune. Representatives from the Basak commune commended the CSA activities in the commune and assured that commune councillors and village chiefs will help spread the climate-smart vegetable growing techniques to other communities.

Kenn Snor, a farmer from Basak village said, "Initially, CSA activities such as setting up water storage and supply systems consumed more time and effort. I was doubtful that we may not produce enough vegetables to justify the use of inputs. We are now happy that our production of vegetables doubled this year. This year, the return on our investment is fivefold." Snor explained that improved varieties of vegetables could adapt well to climate variability as they could harvest comparable yield with less irrigation or even under drought situation. Other factors include preparation of an appropriate cropping calendar, and soil and water management. The nonparticipating farmers also got an opportunity to tour her garden and learn from her experiences. All expressed a strong interest to adopt Climate Smart agriculture techniques back on their farms.

SNV Cambodia is currently implementing a Climate Smart Agriculture project in 9 villages across 6 communes in Svay Chrum district of Svay Rieng province to build resilience of vegetable and cassava farmers to cope with climate variation and change using climate smart agriculture (CSA) approaches.