FAO commits to boosting Cambodia’s aquaculture sector with technical support

CAMBODIA – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has pledged technical assistance to Cambodia’s growing aquaculture sector to enhance its sustainability and efficiency. 

This was confirmed during a meeting on January 9, 2024, between Manuel Barange, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Dith Tina, Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.  

The discussion centred on strategies to bolster Cambodia’s fisheries and aquaculture industries, focusing on feed production, fish hatchery development, and modern aquaculture techniques. 

Minister Tina underscored the government’s commitment to reducing pressures on natural fisheries by advancing aquaculture practices and promoting proper fish farming, breeding, and feed quality improvements.  

“We aim to stabilise market prices for farmers and consumers while building modern agricultural communities to mitigate production costs and climate-related risks,” Tina explained.  

In response, Barange reiterated FAO’s readiness to provide technical expertise and foster collaboration in these critical areas. 

He also emphasised opportunities to strengthen Cambodia’s broader agricultural sector, particularly in natural resource conservation.  

Though smaller than its capture fisheries, Cambodia’s aquaculture sector has been steadily growing, with freshwater fish farming in ponds, cages, and rice fields dominating production. Coastal and marine aquaculture, while contributing minimally, is also rising. 

Statistics from ReportLinker predict Cambodian fish production will grow from 462,000 metric tons in 2023 to approximately 642,000 metric tons by 2028, reflecting an annual growth rate of 5.2%.  

Despite ranking 17th globally in fish production in 2023, with Iran slightly ahead, Cambodia’s aquaculture sector has achieved significant strides. 

Its fish supply has seen a remarkable 12.7% annual increase since 1981. However, domestic fish consumption is projected to remain stable, with minor fluctuations in demand expected through 2028.  

With FAO’s involvement, Cambodia could further modernise its aquaculture practices, ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.

 The collaboration aims to shift the industry from subsistence fishing to profitable, sustainable aquaculture, which could significantly influence the country’s economy and food security in the years ahead.  

Minister Tina concluded the meeting by reiterating the importance of such partnerships: “FAO’s support will play a vital role in our vision for a thriving, sustainable aquaculture industry.”

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