To encourage the production of Cambodian rice and attract national and international tourists, the Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) organised a three-day 5th Rice Festival in Siem Reap, starting on January 27, said Chan Sokheang, CRF President.

“Cambodian rice has gained a good reputation, especially the ‘Angkor Malys’ variety of rice. It has been ranked the best rice in the world five times – three years in a row (2012, 2013 and 2014) and then in 2018 and 2022. It was declared the best in the world, from among more than 40 rice samples from eight countries,” Sokheang said.

“The rice sector has played an important role in supporting the national economy in Cambodia. The country exported more than 630,000 tons of rice worth $418 million, and 3.4 million tons of paddy valued at $881 million, last year. Rice and paddy exports total more than $1.2 billion a year,” he said.

He attributed the recognition to the Cambodian farmers’ efforts in maintaining good and fertile soil in the Tonle Sap Lake area.

In addition, Romduol is a rain-fed rice variety that was officially released in 1997 after long research by the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

Pin Prakad, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, said, “The main purpose of the ‘Rice Festival’ is to promote the potential of Cambodia’s golden rice sector.”

The festival, said Prakad, “aims to promote the internal tourism movement more in the spirit of the campaign ‘Visit our beautiful Cambodia and clean city, clean resort, good service and good hospitality’ and showcase potential tourist destinations in Siem Reap, culture, products and services, as well as the warm smiles of the Cambodian people,” he remarked.