Phnom Penh, 5 April 2023 (TDI): Cambodia and Australia have jointly launched a new fragrant rice cultivar, Champei Sar 70, after nine years of study and testing on 80 farmer’s fields.
The formal launching ceremony took place on April 5 at the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), presided over by Justin Whyatt, the Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, and Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries.
Champei Sar 70 (CPS 70), according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), is the outcome of nearly ten years of cooperation between CARDI and the Australian Government.
After three months, the aromatic rice CPS 70 reaches maturity. It is a non-seasonal produce that can grow in both dry and wet conditions.
CPS 70 can be grown twice to three times a year by farmers, boosting output. Additionally, the expense of working capital, paddy storage, and post-harvest loss will reduce greatly.
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This rice variety is very beneficial for both farmers and traders. It could help farmers cut down on their expenses and efforts to take care of their rice fields. Since it is non-seasonal, traders can buy paddy all year round.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Australia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, named the vessel Champei Sar 70, according to Dith Tina.
He emphasized that “this new variety will significantly contribute to the diversification of aromatic rice production and the export of aromatic rice to international markets, leading to an improvement in farmers’ livelihoods.”
According to Ambassador Whyatt, “Australia is extremely pleased to aid MAFF and CARDI create the Champei Sar 70. I hope farmers all over Cambodia will cultivate CPS 70 to supply regional and global markets, including Australia.”
More than 60% of Cambodia’s total milled rice exports are fragrant rice, which is in great demand throughout the world. By 2025, the Cambodian Rice Federation hopes to ship 1 million tons of milled rice.
